Of all the great up-and-coming talent in the NBA, Ja Morant is one that stands out in a big way, and his latest efforts are making more and more within the game to take notice. His latest blockbuster performance saw the 22-year-old rack up a franchise-record 52 points as the Memphis Grizzlies overcame the San Antonio Spurs 118-105.
The Grizzlies are enjoying a great season thus far and currently sit top of the Southwest Division and in third place in the Western Conference overall, with a 43-20 record and look well set to make the post-season for the second season in succession, having gone the previous three years with losing records.
When it comes to the best odds sports betting, it may now be the right time to back the Grizzlies to go all the way. They are currently set at around (+2900) for the NBA title, and if Morant continues to put in consistent displays, you can expect Taylor Jenkins’s side to go long into the playoffs.
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As for Morant, he seems pleasantly surprised by the heights he is hitting. Commenting on his outstanding half-time buzzer-beater, which was the pinnacle of his night’s work;
“something I’ll probably never be able to do again.”
“I’m only a red zone guy,” Morant said. “Fade route. Jump ball.”
Clearly, Morant is learning that he is capable of a lot more than he thought, and his lengthy three-pointer was another facet of the win that he was pleased by;
“It’s got to be the 50,” Morant said when commenting on what was the most memorable element of the display.
“I’m thankful for my teammates, my coaches. They believe in me and have all the confidence in the world that I’ll make the right plays.” Morant added.
Prior to his 52 point game, no one had scored more than 47 in Grizzlies history, but if there was a player on their roster who was going to break that record, it’s Ja Morant.
Visiting coach Gregg Popovich was full of praise for the young talent, commenting;
“He’s a beautiful player,”
“What else can you say about him? It’s not just that he’s athletic. Everybody says, ‘He’s athletic.’ Somebody says, ‘He’s a freak of nature,’ because he’s so fast. … But he makes decisions. He knows what is going on on the court.”
“So, you combine that cerebral part of his game with his athleticism, and you’ve got a special kid.”
High praise indeed and Morant’s team-mate, De’Anthony Melton did likewise;
“He’s at the rim every night, but the way he put it together tonight, he was just in attack mode from the jump,”
“He got whatever he wanted, and it looked easy out there. It was just special to be out there and watch that.”
It’s sometimes easy to forget this is just Morant’s second season in the NBA, and he’s already achieved a great deal, earning the Rookie of the Year award in 2020 and a place in the NBA All-Star team this year, and the sky does indeed seem to be the limit for the Grizzlies prospect.
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