The Memphis Grizzlies are all set to take on the Golden State Warriors in a pivotal first play-in matchup for the Western Conference on Tuesday night, with a coveted playoff spot up for grabs. Finishing strong, Memphis clinched the No. 8 seed on the final day of the regular season, while Golden State ended up seventh, thanks to their recent loss to the LA Clippers.
At the forefront for the Grizzlies is their dynamic star guard, Ja Morant. This season, he has lit up the court, averaging 23.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 4.1 rebounds, all while boasting an impressive shooting percentage of 45.4%. Morant’s electric play was instrumental in Memphis’ victory over the Warriors during the 2021 Play-in tournament, but this time, he’ll face a revamped Golden State squad, headlined by the formidable trio of Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler.
Despite some off-court challenges — including a recent $75,000 fine from the NBA for inappropriate on-court gestures — Morant continues to shine as one of the league’s most exciting and marketable stars. His popularity is clearly reflected in the latest NBA merchandise sales, where he ranks among the top-ten best-selling jerseys. Joining the ranks of iconic players, Morant’s jersey sales place him alongside the likes of Luka Doncic, who leads the pack, with Stephen Curry and LeBron James also securing spots in the top three.
As the Grizzlies gear up for this critical playoff run, Morant is poised to match his rising star power with postseason success. With a victory against a Warriors team eager to claim another championship, Memphis has the chance to cement their place in the NBA Playoffs and showcase their potential on a bigger stage. The stakes are high, and the excitement is palpable — this matchup is one you won’t want to miss.
