FedExForum did see the home team, the Memphis Grizzlies lose to the Nets. The game was far from being ‘glorious’. A rather struggling episode of collecting points left their All-Star guard Ja Morant baffled. In a game that ended 106-119 surely taught crucial lessons to the Grizzlies. However, it is beyond the sentiments of the court that have resonated with the audience. It is Morant’s Nike JA 2, that has turned out to be the latest attraction of the night.

The shades of green, white, and gray—or the bold red swoosh—stand out as sharply as Ja Morant’s presence on the court. But it’s the name “Niya,” etched on the back of these stylish shoes, that really piques our curiosity. So, who is Niya, and what connection does she have to the 25-year-old point guard?

Niya is Ja Morant’s point guard younger sister

Had it not been for Instagram, we might have lived under the rocks forever. Ja Morant shared on IG Story, an image zoomed on the Nike JA 2 with the caption: “Lil one @niyamorant” No, this is no child we’re talking about- Niya is the NBA star’s 19-year-old sister who also happens to be a basketball player.

Niya Morant, or Teniya Morant as she’s officially known, is making her own path in basketball, committed to Mississippi Valley State University. Standing at 5’8″ and playing guard, she’s following closely in her brother Ja’s footsteps. Ja’s tribute to his “lil one” with her name on his shoes is both heartfelt and touching, a sentimental nod to their sibling bond. Niya, thrilled by the gesture, even shared her excitement in an Instagram Story, showing how much the tribute means to her. Her caption read: “I’m not crying you are.” Her second Story was a repost of Ja Morant’s IG Story which she captioned: “My heart.”  

However, all the special family moments are being overshadowed by the on-court struggles, the Grizzlies face against Brooklyn on Wednesday. All their flaws and loopholes were out and about. Well, not the perfect scenario for Ja Morant and Co., but surely a lesson to take back for the next game in a row.

Ja Morant’s 14-point struggle against the Nets

The Memphis Grizzlies game against the Brooklyn Nets was far from appealing. Had Ja Morant’s performance been as fabulous as his Nike JA 2, things could’ve been different. But, this wasn’t the case and he struggled more than one could’ve expected. Morant found the going tough on offense against the Nets.

He finished with 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 11 assists in the 29 minutes he was on the court. Only Jaren Jackson Jr.‘s 30 points were a positive take from the game. And of course, Memphis slumped 106-119! What can you expect from a struggling team? However, Ja Morant & Co. kept up with the Nets until the 3rd quarter of the game but in the fourth quarter when Brooklyn began to create distance, the Grizzlies couldn’t retrieve.

The Memphis Grizzlies faced a tough challenge against the Brooklyn Nets, with Ja Morant’s performance coming up short despite the spotlight on his new Nike JA 2s. His sister Niya’s tribute, etched onto the shoes, added a heartfelt moment to the evening, but it couldn’t overshadow the night’s outcome. The defeat underscores areas where the Grizzlies need to sharpen up as they prepare for their next matchup.