The shorthanded Memphis Grizzlies used an epic performance from Ja Morant to fuel a come-from-behind win over the Los Angeles Lakers Dec. 29 inside FedEx Forum.
Morant, who is just a couple of games into his return from a 12 game absence due to injury, gave his best performance of an already improved season from the third-year point guard.
After hitting a game-winning shot at Phoenix Dec. 27 and recording 33 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals, Morant followed it up with his best out of the season against LeBron James and the visiting Lakers.
Morant out-lasted the Purple & Gold, finishing with a season-high 41 points and added 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks in the 104-99 win.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant broke numerous records against the Lakers
Morant’s spectacular outing doubled as a night for breaking multiple personal and franchise records. In this game, the future All-Star broke or matched several records and ignited league-wide chatter about his status as an elite-level superstar.
Morant made six three-pointers in the game, which is a career-high. He’s the first Grizzlies player to have multiple 40-point games in a single season, according to StatMuse.
He now has more 40-point games than anyone in franchise history, as well.
Additionally, Ja Morant is now the only player in the history of the NBA to have multiple 40-point games against LeBron James in a single season. No one has done that— not Kevin Durant, not Stephen Curry, not Giannis Antetokounmpo. That’s rarefied air.
David Fizdale on Ja Morant:
— Drew Hill (@DrewHill_DM) December 29, 2021
“You are talking about one of the best players in this league. Period. PERIOD. The guy – I don’t know another way to put it – is a superstar. I don’t see anyone that has had a true answer for the guy.”
Former Grizzlies head coach (2016-2017) and current acting head coach of the Lakers David Fizdale called Morant a superstar. “You are talking about one of the best players in this league,” he said before the game. “Period.”
LeBron James said Morant was “spectacular” in his post-game comments. There are few higher compliments than getting one from King James himself.
Welcome to the dark, I think you’ll find you’ll like it here with 12 leading the way.