Memphis Grizzlies: A position-by-position playoff matchup guide vs Minnesota Timberwolves

Memphis Grizzlies matchup No 5: Ja Morant vs Patrick Beverly

Patrick Beverley, Minnesota Timberwolves

Stats: 9.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 4.5 APG, and 14.80 PER
Size: 6’1″ and 180 lbs
Experience: 9 years

Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies

Stats: 27.4 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 6.7 APG, 24.53 PER
Size: 6’3″ and 174 lbs
Experience: 2 years

The matchup everyone is anticipating: the pesky Patrick Beverley and the electrifying Ja Morant.

Beverley is going to do everything in his power to get under the skin of Morant and frustrate him. It won’t work.

Morant is one of the most gifted scorers in the NBA. Beverley will have a hard time matching Morant’s speed and ability to stop on a dime.

The All-Star point guard may not hit his season average of 27+ points per game, but he’s going to attack the basket relentlessly. When the Wolves collapse to help, he’ll kick-out to an open Bane, Brooks, or Jackson to knock down a three or catch the defense off guard for an easy basket.

Morant has had a historic season and one of the league’s most improved players from last season. Beverley is an outstanding defender and uses psychology and toughness to level the playing field.

Beverley is capable of knocking down an open three or two and can get to the free-throw line. He serves as the mouthpiece of his team and they play off his infectious attitude.

Morant typically lets his game do the talking, leading by action. Brooks is typically the vocal leader on the floor for Memphis.

The gap between Morant and Beverly in skill is too wide of a chasm to ignore, which is why Grizzlies get the clear edge in the matchup.

Winner: Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies