Ja Morant produced another stunning moment in the Memphis Grizzlies’ win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday at the Crypto.com Arena.
Morant chased down Avery Bradley who was on his way to making a layup in the first quarter and blocked the shot with both hands. He accidentally, yet admirably, hit the backboard with his elbow. The player also further showed off his athleticism by nearly hitting his head on the blackboard by dunking.
Despite the magnificent play from LeBron James, the Grizzlies claimed its victory quite comfortably with 127-119, a perfect end to their two-game road trip to West Coast.
James reacted to the inhumane block that might bestow Morant with a candidacy of being the best block of the season.
“It starts with timing. And also just stalking your prey,” he said, as shared by Michael Corvo on Twitter. “And that’s exactly what Ja was doing that whole play. And I saw it happen. Didn’t know he was going to do it in that fashion. But, they got rockets in his calf muscles. It was just a spectacular play.”
The young chap also earned a compliment from Lakers coach, Frank Vogel. “That was a special play from a special player. I don’t know what else there really is to say about it,” said Vogel.
#JaMorant #NBAAllStar 🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/TAdQSxqz9Z
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) January 10, 2022
Fans reaction
The block left the NBA fans in awe, with a number of fans on Reddit sharing their excitement. nhthelegend wrote: “Been watching ball for over 20 years now and no cap, that is one of the nastiest blocks I have ever witnessed.”
“I can’t even imagine being able to do this. It doesn’t compute with me that humans can jump this high,” added KwimboSlyce.
"It starts with timing, and stalking your prey…that guy's got rockets in his calf muscles." — LeBron on Ja's chase down block of Avery Bradley
— Cooper Halpern (@CooperHalpern) January 10, 2022
“Oh my god, that’s amazing! I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like that before – grab the ball with two hands, come down with it and sprint to the other end. He’s a freak of nature,” concurred ezcheesy.
“Put him in Space Jam. That looked like Jordan. Jesus every time I watch it I’m worried he’s going to decapitate himself,” said cheerio, referring to a Looney Tunes 1996 animated movie.
This goes with Morant’s reaction after the game, saying: “Now I’m probably all over the internet for it.”
LeBron postgame on Ja's block: "It starts with timing. And stalking your prey. That's exactly what Ja was doing that whole play … Didn't know he was going to do it in that fashion. But, they got rockets in his calf muscles. It was just a spectacular play." https://t.co/aCL6DyGtga
— Michael Corvo (@michaelcorvoNBA) January 10, 2022
Promising stats
The Grizzlies have been showing stellar performance throughout the season with their current position as 27-14 in the league and 4th in the Western Conference.
He wasn’t alone. His stellar play was buoyed by Jaren Jackson Jr. with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and six blocks, Desmond Bane with 23 points, as well as Kyle Anderson with 14 points.
MORANT WEEEEEE pic.twitter.com/qJUzuZdSMT
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) January 10, 2022
Morant himself has only been drafted in 2019 by the Grizzlies, but shortly stole the show and became an irreplaceable piece on the Grizzlies roster. With 24.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.7 assists average per game this season, he is surely on the right path towards a bright future.
Securing 8 games win streak with the Grizzlies this season, Morant’s goal to make the All-Star team this season seems to be a step closer.