22-Year-Old Ja Morant Urges Media to Criticize Him in Unreal Display of Leadership: “If There’s Anybody You Want to Be Mad At, Pick Me”

Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies took on the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday. Morant had the chance to win the game in regulation, but he missed the go-ahead free throw. The 76ers were without Joel Embiid, and they were on a four-game winning streak. The Grizzlies have been playing amazing basketball this season.

Memphis Grizzlies won 122-119 in a tightly contested game that went to overtime. The 76ers had a 17 point lead, but the Grizzlies came back to take the lead in the third quarter. The game was back and forth after that point. Ja Morant tied the game up with 8.1 on the clock. He was fouled in the process as well but he missed the free throw to take the lead.

The 76ers held on in overtime, but the Grizzlies had a wide-open look from 3, but Zaire Willams missed the shot. This marked the end to 3 game winning streak for the Grizzlies.

Ja Morant led all scorers with 37 points, but he missed the clutch free throw. He did have 9 turnovers, and he did not make a three the entire game. But probably the biggest-positive moment came in his post-match press conference.

Ja Morant shows an Unreal Display of Leadership

In the post-match press conference, Ja asked for reporters to blame him and not his teammates. He said, “There’s nothing to hang our heads about or for people to be mad about because (Ziaire) missed a shot. If there’s anybody you want to be mad at, it can be me.”

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“I had 9 turnovers. Missed big free throws. Didn’t make a 3. If you pick anybody to be mad at, pick me.”

This was an immense display of leadership by a 22-year-old All-Star. He defended his teammates and owned up to his mistakes in the game. For a young stalwart, having such high leadership skills is rare to see. Unless it is Jordan or Kobe and all the other greats. His teammates will definitely be inspired by this and will be motivated even more.

The Memphis Grizzlies have been having an amazing season. Their young squad is led by Ja Morant, who has been having an MVP-type season. He rightfully earned his first All-Star start for his insane display. His crew has also picked up their games and the Grizzlies have emerged as one of the favorites to come out of the West.

The Grizzlies will hope to go deep in the playoffs after their first-round exit last year. Ja Morant will surely want to continue his form and stake his claim as one of the best point guards in the league and possibly the best itself.

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