Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies extended their losing streak to three by losing 117-103 Monday night to the Boston Celtics in the FedExForum. Morant led the charge for Memphis by contributing 26 points, six rebounds, and five assists on 50% shooting. The loss dropped them to just 0.5 games ahead of the Golden State Warriors (whom they play next) for the fifth seed in the Western Conference.
This marks the second straight loss since the firing of Taylor Jenkins, one of the more shocking NBA transactions this season considering the Grizzlies' standings placement. While there is still lacking information for the reason this occurred, reports have arisen regarding Morant's feelings before the firing.
The two-time All-Star has been struggling this season largely in part due to his lack of touches, which he reportedly had a major issue with (via ESPN). As a result, the former No. 2 pick in the draft out of Murray State expressed his frustrations to the Grizzlies' front office.
"This season, Morant is averaging career lows in touches, average touch length and dribbles per touch this season," ESPN wrote. "Morant's 22.4 points per game is his lowest scoring average since 2020-21, his second season, and his field goal percentage (.448) is the worst of his career. That didn't sit well with him, and he voiced his frustrations publicly and privately, sources said."
Averaging a career low in touches this season reportedly didn't sit well with Ja Morant, per @espn
"This season, Morant is averaging career lows in touches, average touch length and dribbles per touch this season. Morant's 22.4 points per game is his lowest scoring average… pic.twitter.com/va8snZtl9M
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 1, 2025
Morant has also struggled to maintain durability this season, playing in just 45 of Memphis' 75 games so far this season; this will be his lowest played games in a season besides last season where he only had nine appearances. Memphis is hopeful that interim head coach Tuomas IIsalo can boost Morant's production and the overall team success.
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This story was originally published April 1, 2025 at 4:53 PM.