Last season, the Memphis Grizzlies asserted themselves as underdogs. Exploding in the second half of the season, the young side quickly became one of the biggest threats in the West. And the anchor was just a third-year guard from Murray State, Ja Morant. The former number two overall pick had a breakout season earning a spot in the MVP conversation. Likewise, fans expected nothing but more showtime plays from him this season. And Morant has started from the same where he left off, stunning the eyes of the spectators.
In the first game of the season, the Grizzlies fought off a tough New York Knicks. It took just nine games into the season for the first overtime thriller. After the Knicks fought back in the clutch, it was time for Ja Morant to take over. Like he has done many times in his young career, he made the game his own. Exploding for 34 points, and 9 assists to start his season.
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However, that was only a glimpse of the new and improved Ja Morant. He pulled off yet another masterful night after seeing his team fall behind against the Houston Rockets a couple of days later. And in doing so became the most dominant scorer in Memphis Grizzlies’ history.
Ja Morant the lone Grizzly on the mountain
Morant against the Rockets was nothing short of sensational. The 23-year-old could do no wrong. Arguably one of his most excellent showings, he soared toward his second-best career scoring performance. An eye-capturing 49 points and 8 assists on 65% from the field helped the Grizzlies remain undefeated two games in. His effort made him the only name on the Grizzlies’ top five scoring performances in franchise history.
NBA fans were left in awe of the 23-year-old once again. Witnessing a masterclass in front of their eyes, Morant’s 49 points were the second-highest points ever scored by a player in a Grizzlies uniform. Beating his record of 47, the NBA star threw out Mike Miller’s 45 points in 2007 to achieve the feat.
Bruh Ja Morant was that close to hitting his head on the backboard pic.twitter.com/lDtucKl7gm
— The NBA Expert (@RealNBAExpert) October 22, 2022
better than curry
— 🐍 (@MMAPage_) October 22, 2022
https://twitter.com/HoodiBron/status/1583852311620685825?s=20&t=dKTsBJmIsIbJnOLs10vIUA
He’s him https://t.co/WgWy9pxK51
— Tyler Charles (@tylercharles00) October 22, 2022
#1 pick in 2019 still has yet to record a 40-point game… https://t.co/saEDznrjOF
— Marley🐻 (@FearMemphis) October 22, 2022
ja morant is the greatest grizzly of all time https://t.co/c0rUkTbXJh
— trent 🏁 (@trxnton) October 22, 2022
Rewriting History. https://t.co/j4zTpdXj1j
— 𝐯. (@Vento_78) October 22, 2022
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The two games have been a spectacle so far. Ja Morant might not have had a better start to his NBA season. After winning the Most Improved Player honors last season, it looks like he has his eyes set on a bigger distinction, the MVP. The only player in the history of the NBA with a MIP and MVP trophy is Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo. Already painting his name all over the history books of Memphis, Ja Morant has just begun his story. In his two-game run, Morant is arguably looking like a lethal candidate to win the MVP award this season.
While the competition for the award remains cutthroat, Morant looks all locked in. A player made for the big moments, there is nothing Morant likes more than to beat the odds. And if the Grizzlies can repeat their success from last season, this man might just have his name on the MVP trophy.
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Do you think Ja Morant is the best player in the history of the Memphis Grizzlies? Let us know your views in the comments below.