Ja Morant Electrifies NBA Fans in Grizzlies’ OT Win vs. Zion Williamson, Pelicans
Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIDecember 27, 2023
Derick Hingle/NBAE via Getty Images
Ja Morant dropped a game-high 31 points on 12-of-24 shooting, seven assists and five rebounds en route to a 116-115 overtime win over the host New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday.
The Pelicans led by 13 points going into the fourth quarter, but the Grizzlies launched a ferocious comeback to tie the game up at 103 to force overtime.
Desmond Bane’s three-pointer with 34 seconds remaining cut the Pels’ lead to 103-102.
Bally Sports: Grizzlies @GrizzOnBallyDESMOND BANE đđđ pic.twitter.com/5HiS4eZlvJ
Bane then blocked a CJ McCollum jumper on the other end, giving the Grizz a chance at the win.
Bally Sports: Grizzlies @GrizzOnBallyLOCK ‘EM DOWN DES! pic.twitter.com/iI18XOhAVI
Jaren Jackson Jr. then got fouled on a shot attempt, and he proceeded to make 1-of-2 from the line.
In overtime, a Marcus Smart three-point play, a pair of Jaren Jackson Jr. shots and a Morant alley-oop were the big buckets for the Grizz.
Bally Sports: Grizzlies @GrizzOnBallyWELCOME BACK MARCUS SMART pic.twitter.com/7H7ziB2Iv4
Bally Sports: Grizzlies @GrizzOnBally12 making it look easy đ„· pic.twitter.com/SxkaKBn5Jx
Bally Sports: Grizzlies @GrizzOnBallyBIG TRIPPPPP đ€ pic.twitter.com/K413meO60H
NBA @NBAJA MORANT. SEALS THE DEAL.
Memphis pulls out the win in an OT thriller! pic.twitter.com/AlAyrwxQaO
A Brandon Ingram three cut the Pels’ lead to 115-112 with 10 seconds left, but Bane made a free throw in response. A McCollum three as time expired led to the final score.
The Grizzlies have now won four straight matchups since Morant returned from a 25-game suspension without pay for conduct detrimental to the league. He has averaged 28.8 points, 8.5 assists and 5.5 rebounds this season.
Morant has also led the Grizzlies to two sensational comebacks over the Pelicans. On Dec. 19, New Orleans blew a 24-point lead in a 115-113 contest punctuated by a Morant game-winner.
After this one, fans and analysts praised another solid Morant performance.
Hoop Muse @HoopMuseMemphis are 4-0 with Ja Morant
Ja Morant already has more wins than the Pistons (2) and as many wins as the Spurs (4) pic.twitter.com/DEGx8PPQXu
Jamaican King đŻđČ @_karateChrisJa Morant just have the IT factor to me. He reminds me of how I use to feel about AI. He may never outright be the defecto best player in the league. Yet it doesn’t matter because on any given night he can look like it. Then he can be even more marketable or popular than them.
velđ”đž @hldmyhvndja morant lowkey so clutch
King Crimson @KemalSevillaGrizzlies really a different team with Morant playing
Plug Wa Mweađ @PlugWaMweaJa Morant is cooking big. 4 wins in 4 games since his return đ„
bry đ”đ @lopezbryan__Morant is special
đ żïžeter đ€ @_pedroo10_Ja Morant the goat
Patina Miller’s #1 Groupie @vvsharrisJa Morant MVP
Coach Lew @CoachLewGrizzWe are 4.5 games out of the play-in. We are making the playoffs. Ja Morant is That Dude
d. @_312DARIUSVote Ja Morant into the ASG man
UTĂPIAN @KingVon9Basketball is more fun when Ja Morant is playing.
Morant and the Grizzlies will look to make it five straight when they visit the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets on Thursday.
