Damian Lillard and Carmelo Anthony praised Ja Morant for his stellar performance in the play-in tournament.
Morant, who played through a thumb injury, had a game-high 35 points and eight assists, but could not lead the Memphis Grizzlies to the win (122-126).
For their part, Lillard (31 points, 10 assists) and Anthony (21 points) won the first-ever play-in tournament and advanced to the playoffs.
The Blazers will now face the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round.
