Watch: Grizzlies’ Ja Morant goes airborne for ridiculous putback dunk vs. Mavs

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts with center Zach Edey (14) during the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at FedExForum.
Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Originally posted on
Larry Brown Sports

By Renzo Pocholo Salao

 | 
Last updated Apr 18, 2025 11:05 PM ET

Ja Morant reminded fans on Friday that he’s one of the most electrifying players in the NBA.

Morant’s Memphis Grizzlies led the Dallas Mavericks 27-14 eight minutes into their play-in tournament game at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn. Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama drove into the paint and hoisted a contested floater that bounced hard off the back of the rim.

Aldama’s missed shot gave Morant the perfect runway to go airborne on Beale Street. The Grizzlies All-Star grabbed the ball with one hand in mid-air, cocked it back, and dunked it so hard that it rattled the rim.

Here’s another angle of Morant’s sick putback slam.

Morant’s status for Friday’s game was uncertain following the painful ankle injury the Grizzlies star suffered on Tuesday during Memphis’ 7-8 play-in matchup against the Golden State Warriors. He was eventually cleared to play with no minutes restrictions.

Morant had 12 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a Dunk of the Year contender in the first quarter. It’s safe to say that his ankle looked perfectly fine early Friday against the Mavericks.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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