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Memphis Grizzlies: 5 things we’ve learned so far in Ja Morant’s absence

By Jacob Ellerbee

Jaren Jackson, Jr. and Taylor Jenkins, Memphis Grizzlies (Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)
Jaren Jackson, Jr. and Taylor Jenkins, Memphis Grizzlies (Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Nov 30, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) drives to the net against Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) drives to the net against Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Desmond Bane looks like a candidate for Most Improved Player

Second-year guard Desmond Bane has been spectacular this season. Even, before Morant went down with the injury, Bane was looking like he’s made a significant leap.

Bane in 2020-21: 9.2 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.7 apg and 81.6 FT%
Bane in 2021-22: 15.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.0 apg and 89.3 FT% (through 23 games)

In these past few game, his leap has become even more pronounced. Bane has stepped up significantly for the team. He’s shooting just over 40% from beyond the arc this season on 147 attempts.

He scored a career high 29 points against Dallas Dec. 4.

The Memphis Grizzlies defense has stepped up in a big way

Since Morant has been out, the team has been playing great defense. In the 18 games prior to the injury, the team held their opponents to 101 points or fewer just twice— a 104-101 OT win at Golden State and a106-97 win over Denver at home Nov. 1.

The entire team has stepped up in Morant’s absense, holding all of their opponents to 101 points or fewer in all four games so far.

The defensive performance was capped by a history-making night when the Grizzlies earned the largest margin of victory in league history (73) when they defeated Oklahoma City 152-79.

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