It’s been a challenging season for Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, but he delivered a standout performance in Friday’s victory over the Dallas Mavericks, scoring 31 points and closing the game with 11 points in the final 6:15 to help seal the win.
Despite the impressive showing, Morant admitted that he still hasn’t felt like himself throughout the season.
“A little bit of Ja, the old Ja,” he said after the game. “Yeah, so it was nice to see some baskets go down. Obviously, it’s kind of what I’m used to.”
Morant is averaging 20.9 points per game, but his efficiency has taken a hit. As ESPN’s Tim MacMahon notes, he’s shooting just 43.1% from the field and 28.4% from three-point range while battling through multiple injuries.
The two-time All-Star has struggled to stay on the court, appearing in only 39 of Memphis’ 63 games this season.
His setbacks include an eight-game absence in November due to a right hip subluxation and pelvic strains – injuries suffered while taking contact mid-air on an alley-oop attempt.
In December, he collided with a hard screen and sustained an AC joint sprain in his right shoulder, the same shoulder that required surgery last winter.
When asked about the toll injuries have taken on his game, Morant acknowledged their impact but emphasized his determination to push through.
“Fouls, getting hurt, that plays a lot,” he said. “Makes you move different, makes you think different. But I’m out there, so just try to find a way.”
Southwest Notes: Morant, Irving, B. Williams, VanVleet https://t.co/rNyp0Yhytr pic.twitter.com/OXXsocfLyo
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) March 9, 2025
