3 Memphis Grizzlies players who have stepped up the most in absence of Ja Morant

Memphis Grizzlies guard De’Anthony Melton was on a heater during streak

From Nov. 1 through March 18, back-up guard De’Anthony Melton recorded 20+ point games just two times.

During the nine games in which Morant was sidelined, Melton dropped 20+ points three times and ended up averaging 17.6 PPG— a huge increase from the roughly 10 PPG he’s averaged throughout the season.

Melton was doing most of his damage from beyond the arc, much to the delight of Grizzlies fans. He made 3+ three-pointers in seven of the nine games during the streak, an incredible feat for the former No. 46 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.

The former USC product also recorded his second double-double of the season when he scored 11 points and 10 rebounds against the Utah Jazz on April 5.

Melton is getting some really good opportunities when the second unit is on the floor. He’s able to attack the basket and get some easy baskets when he’s on the floor with Tyus Jones.

De’Anthony is going to be a huge X-factor for the team during the playoffs. The team is a blistering 17-2 when Melton scores 15 or more points in a game, according to Stat Muse.