3 takeaways from Memphis Grizzlies’ three-game series with Utah Jazz

Memphis Grizzlies PG Ja Morant can step up in big games

It didn’t result in a win, but in the Grizzlies’ close loss against the Jazz on Wednesday, we saw Ja Morant step up. If not for a 44-point debut, Morant’s 36 points would have marked a new season-high. That’s the type of game he had in a crucial matchup against the Jazz. That wasn’t all he did either — the 21-year old had 7 assists and 3 steals in the game.

The rest of the team didn’t necessarily play up to par, but this taught us something important about Morant — he can step up in big games. In the first match, he had 32 points and 11 assists, showing that he’s ready for prime time.

Despite inconsistency from him all year, he seems to know when his team needs him. Take the first game of the season for example.

The Grizzlies were taking on a new season without their second-best player in Jaren Jackson Jr. Morant could have stayed on track with his 17 PPG average from the year prior, but he didn’t. He played arguably the best game of his career in the first game of the 2020-21 year.

Down the road, we’ll need more performances like this out of Morant if the Grizzlies want a shot at making the playoffs. If he can bring consistency, at least in big games, this could be a huge positive for a team that’s barely holding onto their position.