Magic Johnson blown away by Ja Morant’s wild 360 layup over Nets center
Memphis Grizzlies All-Star guard Ja Morant sent shockwaves through the NBA during their road game against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday with a jaw-dropping 360 layup over center Nic Claxton. Among those who left impressed was league legend Magic Johnson.
The explosive play occurred late in the second quarter of the Grizzlies-Nets game at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. After receiving a pass from teammate Santi Aldama near the sideline, Morant drove to attack the basket but was met by Claxton. The Memphis guard, however, eluded the defense midair by spinning 360 degrees and finishing with his left hand.
Ja Morant replicated the play early in the third quarter, this time executing it on a fast break against Nets wingman Cam Johnson.
Four-time NBA champion Johnson shared a clip of Morant's plays on X (formerly Twitter) and expressed his amazement.
He wrote:
"Wow -- I've never seen anyone make two 360 layups like that in the same game!"
Check out his post below:
Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, they lost the game to the Nets, 106-104. Ja Morant and rookie center Zach Edey each had 25 points for Memphis, but it was not enough to extend their two-game winning streak.
The Grizzlies (4-4) next play at home on Wednesday against the LA Lakers.
Kevin Durant also impressed by Ja Morant's aerial moves against Nets
Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant was also among those who marveled at Ja Morant's highlight plays against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday. So impressed was Durant that he declared the Memphis Grizzlies guard the most athletic person he has seen.
The two-time NBA champion shared his thoughts on Morant when asked about the "Up and Adams Show" with Kay Adams on Tuesday about the 360 layups he pulled off.
"KD" said:
"My goodness. The most athletic person I've seen. I don't want to give him that because he's young and there's been a lot of great athletes in the history of sports. But come on now, to pull off, that smooth, that easy, it's ridiculous. He's a top-level athlete."
Watch the interview below:
Apart from highlight-reel plays, Ja Morant has been providing steady numbers for the Grizzlies.
In the seven games he has played, the former NBA rookie of the year is averaging team-highs of 20.7 points and 9.7 assists, along with 5.1 rebounds in 28 minutes per contest.