Ja Morant has legitimized the Memphis Grizzlies

NBA Memphis Grizzlies Ja Morant (Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports)
NBA Memphis Grizzlies Ja Morant (Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports)

Ja Morant has legitimizes the Memphis Grizzlies in the Western Conference.

Ja Morant is truly blossoming into a complete player as he continues to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to victory with his impressive performances.

Since returning from injury, Morant’s point total has increased in each game. Fresh off a stellar performance against the defending Western Conference champion Phoenix Suns where he beat four Suns defenders to make the game winning basket, Morant scored a season-high 41 points while connecting on a career-high six 3-pointers en route to a come from behind win against LeBron James and the Lakers.

Morant made a bit of history as his 41 points gave him his 3rd career 40-plus point game which is a new Grizzlies franchise record. The Lakers, up by 14 points at one point, were outscored 26-16 in the 4th quarter as Morant and James went back and forth like two boxers trading jabs in a heavyweight title bout.

Morant’s ability to take over a game was on full display as he used his combination of size, athleticism, scoring ability and passing as he came to the rescue for the Grizzlies once again securing the victory. Morant, one of the most exciting players in the league to watch, has a high motor as he uses good footwork and impeccable balance to accelerate and decelerate in a blink of an eye as he gets to the rim with ease.

But if Morant can continue to shoot it from deep at the same efficiency he shot against the Lakers, it makes him just that much more difficult to guard. He can leave defenders in his tracks in transition as he gets down the floor like he’s participating in a track meet.

Even though he’s surrounded by a solid team that has gotten better as the season began, Morant has also improved his jump shot, uses his smooth handles to gain separation, is an excellent slasher and has become one of the best at finishing at the rim.

As expected, Morant should be selected to his very 1st All Star Game as he has led the Grizzlies to a 22-14 record which is currently 4th place in the West as he has put up 23.7 points, 5.5 rebounds with 6.8 assists per game and the scary thing is Morant’s potential to improve and be even better as the season continues.

Morant has been a thorn in the Lakers side as this was his 2nd time scoring 40-plus against them as he became only the 2nd player to score 40-plus twice against James in his career. Another amazing feat that Morant has accomplished this season is defeating the top 3 teams in the West all on their home floor while coming up huge in all three games scoring 30-plus.

As the Grizzlies move forward, they are going to need Morant to continue playing at an elite level against elite competition. Big things are sure to come from this tremendously talented player.