The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies gear up to face off against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors in the NBA play-in tournament. This much-anticipated matchup is set for Tuesday night and promises to be a thrilling encounter between two teams with a lot on the line.
Despite missing 32 games this season due to a series of injury woes, Morant played a key role in leading the Grizzlies to a solid 48-34 record, landing them the No. 8 seed in the competitive Western Conference. His ability to return and help steer the team during critical moments of the season speaks volumes about his importance to this franchise.
In the final weeks of the regular season, Morant garnered significant attention—not just for his play but for his on-court antics. After a controversial celebration that drew the ire of the league, he received a warning for a handgun gesture directed at the Warriors’ bench on April 1. Turning a blind eye to that admonition, he was subsequently fined for employing a similar celebration against the Miami Heat just days later. Not one to shy away from the spotlight, Morant then unveiled a new imaginary grenade celebration during a matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, which stirred up further discussion.
Criticism of Morant’s behavior has come from all corners, including NBA legend Charles Barkley, who didn’t hold back on a recent episode of “Inside the NBA.” Barkley quipped about head coach Taylor Jenkins, suggesting that the coach is relieved not to have to deal with what he described as “immature stuff,” particularly with the Grizzlies recently making the surprising decision to part ways with Jenkins.
Throughout the season, Morant showcased his skills, averaging an impressive 23.2 points and 7.3 assists over the 50 games he played. This includes a standout performance where he dropped 36 points against the Warriors in a nail-biting contest earlier this month, a glimpse of the talent that can elevate the Grizzlies in high-stakes situations.
With Tuesday night’s play-in game set to determine which team will advance as the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference playoffs, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The loser will face the daunting challenge of going up against the winner of the Sacramento Kings vs. Dallas Mavericks matchup for the final No. 8 seed.
Tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET on TNT. Buckle up; this is the kind of playoff atmosphere the NBA thrives on!
