Ja Morant drops cryptic message after improbable win over defending champions
Ja Morant dropped a cryptic message after the Memphis Grizzlies rode behind his 32-point effort to beat the defending Boston Celtics on their home court. The improbable result has alarmed the rest of the league about the Grizzlies' prowess as one of the powerhouses across both conferences after an injury-riddled year had everyone holding back on their hopes from the young group.
Morant's cryptic tweet seemingly was related to that. It was similar to what he said after the Grizzlies beat the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 3 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs first round on Apr. 21, 2022.
"figure out what side yall want to be on," Morant tweeted on Saturday after winning against Boston.
Morant was clapping back at critics in 2022 when he said this, and it seems no different this year. The Grizzlies are among the top teams. However, they aren't necessarily in the championship conversation. Their critics might doubt them, but Morant seemingly doesn't believe the Grizzlies are lacking something after a massive win over title favorites, the Celtics.
Ja Morant helps Grizzlies snap 6-game losing streak against Celtics
Ja Morant was at the forefront of the Grizzlies' statement win over the Celtics on the road. He tallied a game-high 32 points, nine rebounds, nine assists and two steals, shooting 11 of 20, including 4 of 6 from 3. Morant outplayed his star counterpart Jayson Tatum, who had 19 points on 6 of 21 shooting.
The win helped the Grizzlies snap a six-game losing streak against the Celtics. Their last win against the defending champions came way back on Mar. 22, 2021, when Memphis won 132-126 in overtime. It's also Memphis' only third win against Boston since the 2016-17 NBA season.
Morant looked more composed than he's looked all season, slowing his game down and reading the floor better. It allowed him to break down the Celtics' defense better and elevate his teammates, especially Jaren Jackson Jr. The 2023 Defensive Player of the Year had one of his best games of the season, dropping 27 points, nine rebounds, three steals and four blocks.
The Grizzlies didn't settle much, attacking the paint against Boston despite the defending champions playing the numbers game by shooting more 3s. Memphis stuck to its game plan and secured the desired result.
Ja Morant and Co. improved to 16-8 on the season and are tied for the second-best record in the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks, who are ahead on a tie-breaker.