Ja Morant's recent performance has generated significant conversations among fans and analysts alike, especially as the Memphis Grizzlies navigate a competitive season. After overcoming several injuries, Morant's impact on his team's standing has become increasingly under scrutiny. With the Grizzlies holding onto the second seed in the Western Conference, the expectations for their star point guard have never been higher.
On February 23, 2025, Morant faced the Cleveland Cavaliers, one of the top teams this season. Despite his efforts, Morant's contributions seem overshadowed by his prior successes. This season, he is averaging 20.5 points, 7.3 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game, but notable deficiencies, like shooting only 44.1% from the field, have raised questions about his form.
Morant, who has suited up for just 34 games this season, clearly has not delivered the explosive performances expected of him. A two-time All-Star, he previously made headlines with averages of 27.4 points per game during his Most Improved Player award-winning season. Currently, he fits within the broader conversation about the Grizzlies’ need for him to return to peak form, particularly against elite competitors.
Recently, Kendrick Perkins, former NBA champion and current analyst on ESPN, articulated some of the doubts circulating around Morant's performances this season. "Ja Morant needs to be the guy," Perkins stated, emphasizing the point guard's pivotal role if the Grizzlies are to mount serious playoff challenges.
Critically, Perkins underscored the necessity of consistent top-level production from Morant: "Ja Morant honestly hasn't been the guy all season long." He went on to compare Morant's season to Lakers star Austin Reaves, stating, "One could argue... Austin Reaves has had more of a productive season this year than Ja Morant." While these words may seem harsh, they reflect the analytical drive for Morant to consistently lead his team.
Returning to the matchup against the Cavaliers, Morant started strong, contributing eight points and couple of assists very early on. His competitiveness was showcased as he made plays, including a notable assist to Jaylen Wells for a layup. Nonetheless, as the game progressed, he seemed to struggle, failing to convert several shooting attempts and finding himself benched at times. By the end of the first half, the Grizzlies were behind at 62-56.
Critics have noted Morant's tendency to be turnover-prone this season. Logging about 3.9 turnovers per game, he has often struggled with ball management, which poses risks when competing against teams like the Cavaliers who exploit such weaknesses. Perkins noted this also, emphasizing the need for Morant to not only score but also manage the game effectively.
Despite these critiques, Morant possesses the ability to dominate on the court. Following the challenge presented by the Cavaliers, Morant gathered momentum, scoring 11 points during the final quarter of the game. His final contributions included key free throws allowing the Grizzlies to close the deficit to just four points against the Cavaliers, who eventually won 129-123.
Following this recent loss, the Grizzlies will have the opportunity to regroup as they head back home for five consecutive games. Morant will need to pick up his game and rectify some of the inaccuracies seen against the Cavaliers. The upcoming games against teams like the Phoenix Suns and the New York Knicks will be pivotal for Morant to begin to showcase his potential for explosive play.
Overall, the Grizzlies find themselves amid mounting pressure to perform well as they hold onto their second-place playoff position. There appears to be consensus: for Memphis to thrive and potentially challenge top teams like the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder, Morant must fully return to his prolific scoring form. With his history of explosive performances, fans remain hopeful.