The Memphis Grizzlies gave their fans little to cheer about during the first 25 games of the season.
In the two since Ja Morant’s return from suspension for a firearm-wielding incident on social media, the Memphis star has helped show a glimpse of what the season could have been if not for his absence.
Morant will look to keep the Grizzlies heading in the right direction on Saturday night against the host Atlanta Hawks.
Morant scored 20 points in a 116-103 win over the Indiana Pacers on Thursday, the Grizzlies’ first win at home since Nov. 29. Memphis has won both games since Morant’s reinstatement, including 116-103 against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday thanks to Morant’s game-winning runner.
“Patience is definitely key, whether you’re winning or losing,” Morant said. “I feel like the message right now is have fun and be us.”
Desmond Bane is averaging a robust 24.7 points per game, and Jaren Jackson Jr. is contributing 21.5. The two players were the only true scoring threats for the team prior to Morant’s return, as the third-leading scorer was Marcus Smart (12.5 points per game), who hasn’t played since Nov. 14.
Bane and Jackson combined for 52 points on Thursday for Memphis, which is averaging an NBA-worst 106.4 points per game.
“Credit to Desmond and J.J. for the work they have been putting in through the first quarter of this season,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said. “We have a hole to climb out of this season, but I’m proud of the team dating back to the voluntary workouts in the summer. … Obviously we know Ja infuses so much into his teammates, the organization and the city, but these guys compete every single day.”
Looking to extend its winning streak to three, Memphis will take on a Hawks team that is witnessing history from its star player.
Trae Young recorded 30 points and 13 assists in Atlanta’s 122-113 loss to the Heat on Friday in Miami. Young has reached at least 30 points and 10 assists in six straight games to reside one game shy Oscar Robertson for the longest such streak in league history.
“You want that, to be held to a high standard,” Hawks coach Quin Snyder said of Young. “That’s what I’m trying to do. That’s the standard he holds himself to.”
Despite the continued offensive success from Young, Atlanta dropped to 0-2 against the Heat this season.
The Hawks held an 11-point, second-half lead Friday before the Heat roared back on the shoulders of Duncan Robinson, who scored 21 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter.
Atlanta will be happy to return home to State Farm Arena after playing five of its last six games on the road.
The team also will be happy to see return of Jalen Johnson, who was averaging career highs of 14.1 points and 7.3 rebounds before injuring his wrist on Nov. 25.
Johnson was cleared to return to practice this week, and the team could see his return by the end of this month.
–Field Level Media
