The Memphis Grizzlies desperately needed the presence of Ja Morant. They had been one of the worst teams in the NBA through the first two months of the season, limping to a 6-19 start in their first 25 games. But they were without their star and most important player during that stretch, as Morant was serving the 25-game suspension imposed on him during the offseason.
NBA: Morant and Embiid named players of the week
Ja Morant and Joel Embiid have been named Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Week, the NBA announced 🔥
Morant: 28.0 ppg, 5.7 RPG, 9.0 ppg
Embiid: 40.7 ppg, 12.0 RPG, 6.0 ppg pic.twitter.com/7FWFTPcnuA
– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 26, 2023
The team’s fortunes have changed, at least during their first week back. He was the hero in his first game against the New Orleans Pelicans last Tuesday, as he finished with 34 points and the eventual game-winning basket. He struggled a bit from the floor in the team’s next game, but was able to score 20 points as the Grizzlies defeated the Pacers for back-to-back wins.
But his most impressive performance so far came in Saturday’s game in Atlanta. Morant made 14 of his 25 field goal attempts for 30 points and dished out 11 assists to finish with his first double-double of his young season. Memphis won again, defeating the Hawks by a score of 125-119.
For his efforts, Ja Morant has been named NBA Western Conference Player of the Week. He averaged 28 points, 9 assists and 5.7 rebounds in his first three games since his return. Joel Embiid was the winner of the Eastern Conference.
Can the Grizzlies recover from a terrible start?
Ja Morant has been named player of the week in his first week back
Hard 🔥 pic.twitter.com/MJNXByuUZB
– NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 26, 2023
The Grizzlies have won three games in a row, which puts them tied for the second-longest current winning streak in the NBA. But is it too little too late? The team is still 9-16 and five games behind the Golden State Warriors for the 10th and final playoff spot, meaning it would be a very difficult climb just to get back into Play-In Tournament contention.
But the areas Memphis lacked earlier in the year are some where Morant excels the most, and the positivity of his presence has been evident through the first two games. However, the remaining schedule for the calendar year will do them no favors as they will finish 2023 playing games against the Pelicans, Nuggets, Clippers and Kings.
But if the Grizzlies are able to pull off some more impressive wins, then they could be one of the dark horse playoff teams in the West come the New Year.
