{"id":125598,"date":"2025-03-01T15:01:52","date_gmt":"2025-03-01T20:01:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=125598"},"modified":"2025-03-01T15:01:52","modified_gmt":"2025-03-01T20:01:52","slug":"grizzlies-need-ja-morant-volume-scorer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/03\/01\/grizzlies-need-ja-morant-volume-scorer\/","title":{"rendered":"The Grizzlies Need Ja Morant To Be A Volume Scorer"},"content":{"rendered":"

The case for the Memphis Grizzlies as a title contender feels much more dismissive than when they had battled the eventual NBA champions Golden State Warriors in the 2022 Western Conference Semi-Final. The main difference between those two rosters is their extensive depth and understated experience. These days the Grizzlies can beat teams in many ways and re-invent themselves on the fly. They’ve been in the top ten in net rating<\/a> since January 1 and lead the league in points per game<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Unfair claims of lack of experience and proper execution in crunch time have cautioned experts about Memphis’s title chances. However, the Grizzlies won’t truly establish themselves as conference contenders, let alone championship contenders, until the volume scorer version of Ja Morant<\/a> returns.<\/p>\n

The Grizzlies Need Ja Morant To Be A Volume Scorer<\/h2>\n

Critique a Grizzlies offense that ranks sixth in offensive rating<\/a> seems uncandid. Much of the skepticism surrounding their contention chances stems from viewers’ nostalgic attachment to the volume scorer version of Morant.<\/p>\n

Morant is averaging just 20.9 points on 43.3 FG%. Surprisingly, his 16.4 field goal attempts per game are on pace to be the second fewest attempts of his career. The Grizzlies are 3-7<\/a>\u00a0 this season when Morant attempts 20 or more shots. Two of those wins occurred within the past week in wins against the Orlando Magic and the Phoenix Suns. In both contests, Morant was undoubtedly the Grizzlies’ go-to closer. Despite a down year usage-wise, the Grizzlies haven’t depended on Morant as much as they have in the past.<\/p>\n

The 25-year-old is currently on a four-game streak of scoring at least 20 points. This is his first streak of at least three games doing so since December 7th-15th<\/a>. With an immense depth chart and the improved level of play from Jaren Jackson Jr.<\/a> and Desmond Bane<\/a>, Morant now enjoys a luxury not every star point guard gets. Missing almost two years of regular season basketball has played a factor in Morant’s selflessness<\/a> this year. Opponents have also gotten more film and tape on him as an offensive engine and scorer, thus making it easier to focus on his deficiencies.<\/p>\n