The Memphis Grizzlies have crossed 50 wins for the season and look set to finish as the 2nd seed in the Western Conference behind only the Phoenix Suns. The team is currently firing on all cylinders and one particular aspect of their game is almost hard to believe. If the record is anything to go by, the Grizzlies win more without Ja Morant, something that has led to praise for the entire team.
Ja has enjoyed his breakout season this year, propelling himself into the MVP conversation with incredible performances and epic highlights. However, it would seem that his supporting cast is both stellar and underrated, seeing as they have won 17 games in his absence following their comfortable win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Ja himself acknowledges how good his teammates have been, taking to Twitter to voice his support after their latest big victory.
boys too nice 🔥🔥‼️ sheesh . another grizz dub . 🐻#GrzNxtGen
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) March 27, 2022
A 17-2 record without the undisputed star on the team being on the court is almost unfathomable. Many fans and indeed experts around the league cannot understand how the winning percentage for the Grizzlies has spiked this season whenever Morant has missed time on the court. Stan Van Gundy was the latest to express his disbelief regarding the situation.
https://twitter.com/realStanVG/status/1507918741044187141
“OK. This is getting crazy. Memphis just beat Milwaukee by 25 without Ja Morant. And yes Giannis and Middleton both played. The Grizzlies are 17-2 and blowing people out when they are missing one of the NBA’s best players. I’ve never seen anything like this.”
The Grizz are currently on a 4-game winning streak despite Ja not playing in a single one of those games. While this situation hurts Morant’s slim chances of getting the nod for MVP, it’s an excellent sign for the Grizzlies who will be hoping to make a run to the NBA finals.
Their top record is a testament to their players, the people responsible for building the roster, and indeed, the coach. If they can carry on like this for a while, they might just be able to pose a real challenge to the Phoenix Suns in the playoffs.
