Taking out the best player from the equation generally doesn’t hold up well against a team. However, the Memphis Grizzlies changed the narrative this season. Missing out on Ja Morant in the regular season, they dominated as no one expected and barely lost any games. Now, they are keeping the same energy in the playoffs as they demolish the Golden State Warriors in Game 5.
The Grizzlies suffered a huge loss with the exit of Ja Morant after Game 3 of the series. He was at his offensive peak in the series against the Warriors averaging 38 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists, and 3 steals per game. His knee injury might see him miss the entire playoffs altogether. However, that isn’t a problem for Memphis, who have often shined even without the help of their driving force.
They are in no hurry to change that storyline as they school an experienced Warriors team in Game 5.
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Memphis Grizzlies shock the Warriors despite no Morant
Memphis is one of the most resilient teams in the NBA. Even though the biggest names don’t live in the city, their talent scale matches even the best teams in the league. Each player has a clear role they fulfill with all awareness, which leads to an efficient system without their facilitator, Ja Morant. Likewise, the Warriors are facing all the effects of the Morant-less Grizzlies who are picking them apart.
Following their 20-5 record without Morant in the regular season, Memphis faltered in the clutch last game. But this time, they have left no breathing room for the Warriors.
GSW is getting torn apart. Who needs Ja Morant?
— Don (@reP_nivleK) May 12, 2022
The Warriors are down 52 points in a PLAYOFF game WITHOUT JA MORANT for the GRIZZLIES
WHAT!!!?????
— Ben Stinar (@BenStinar) May 12, 2022
I can't believe what we're witnessing. No matter how many times the Grizzlies won without Ja, no matter how many times the Warriors played with horrible effort, no one could've seen this coming
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) May 12, 2022
How The Golden State Warriors are looking against the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 5 pic.twitter.com/uVWGZWCXns
— Rich (@UptownDC_Rich) May 12, 2022
I am sure the halftime show will focus on how unfocused the Warriors are and not the fact that the young Memphis Grizzlies just kicked Golden State’s ass for 24 minutes of basketball.
— Joe Mullinax (@JoeMullinax) May 12, 2022
Warriors fans pre-game with Ja Morant out
Warriors fans right now with the Grizzlies up by 50 pic.twitter.com/J4v5K6TYQF
— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) May 12, 2022
Steve Kerr/Warriors going to report the entire Grizzlies roster for code breaking
— Connor Dunning (@CDunning929) May 12, 2022
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After 3Q:
Grizzlies 119
Warriors 67FIFTY TWO point lead. pic.twitter.com/bBWS1udc38
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 12, 2022
Going off on a 20-4 run to end the first half, Memphis is on top of their games tonight. They have completely shut down the Warriors’ shooting trio and piled on points with ease. With a lead of over 50 points in 3 quarters, they have left no chance for a Warriors comeback this time. Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, and Tyus Jones have added 21 points each to carry the offensive load for Memphis in the Game 5 encounter.
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The Grizzlies’ resolve to never give up is all on show as they shine in a must-win game at home. However, they still aren’t out of the hole just yet. With each game still an eliminator for them, the Grizzlies need to bring the same energy into Game 6 to force a series-deciding game. Do you think this young Memphis team can best the Warriors 3 games in a row? Let us know in the comments below.