A Memphis Grizzlies lesson in leadership
Snapping the losing streak started and ended with Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.
There’s an old saying that adversity doesn’t build character - it reveals it. There are varying levels of truth to this, of course. But when it comes to sports it shines through in times where things are going poorly. Shots aren’t falling. The ball seems to be bouncing the other way. The weight of the odds and the the various athletic gods can seem to be too much to bear, and you’re unsure of how to get the good vibes rolling again.
But in basketball, unlike some other sports, all it takes is a player or two to say “enough is enough” and the tides can turn. That’s exactly what happened in Memphis on Sunday night - Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. through their actions made it clear that enough was enough. It was time for the Grizzlies to win again.
And they led the way in making it happen - like most great players do.
Taylor Jenkins, the Head Coach of the Memphis Grizzlies, deserves credit as well. For he was willing to, once again, appear to evolve a bit as a coach - at least for one game - and understand what was needed. Ja Morant (42 minutes) and Jaren Jackson Jr. (38 minutes) both played season-high minutes against the Pacers, the first step for Memphis being able to stop their losing streak at five games. With starters Desmond Bane and Steven Adams out due to different knee ailments, the Grizzlies bench - even in solid outings - would not have what it took to get the team going.
Ja and Jaren, however - they did. And even as the offensive production of the “other guys” on the Grizzlies was intermittent at best, the 55 combined points on 40 shots from Morant and Jackson Jr. made all the difference.
For Jaren Jackson Jr., a 12-19 night encapsulated every bit of potential that “JJJ” has as a Giannis Antetokounmpo-esque player at his peak. He made 3 three point shots while snagging 8 rebounds and racking up 6 “stocks”, 5 of which being blocks (which, yes, all actually happened…sad that has to be said. Thanks Reddit). On both ends of the floor, Jaren made his presence felt. He physically was dominant, and the fact he was able to play 38 minutes while not fouling out will hopefully help continue to negate that narrative a bit.
Jaren is the Defensive Player of the Year front-runner. At least he should be. But when he plays the way he did Sunday, he’s an All-Star caliber player.
Ja Morant, meanwhile, got another triple-double added to his ledger for his All-NBA campaign. At times he was the best rebounder on the floor for the Grizzlies - not ideal for your 6’3” point guard to hold that title - and he also showed an elite ability to create for others on his way to 15 assists. These weren’t all “gimmes” either…the Pacers were blitzing Morant, forcing the ball out of his hand both in man and zone defense. He was making bounce and skip passes across wide expanses of the court.
This dish didn’t result in an assist, but it’s a good example of the type of vision and passes Morant was capable of.
The amount of body control and understanding of defensive positioning that kind of pass takes is just remarkable. Morant is a special player…but you already knew that.
What we are continuing to learn about from this young team, led by two 23-year-olds in Morant and Jackson Jr., is that their character as a team is one that is indeed still being formed. But that happens on a daily basis - not just in bad times, but at all times. They talk a little too much trash for a team whose front office is unlikely to make a contender-style move as the trade deadline approaches. While an NBA Finals appearance is possible, it’d be the exception to precedent and history when looking at a team as young as Memphis.
But what makes them this good, this early is that swagger. That level of self-confidence and belief that others have consistently not had in them throughout their careers elsewhere in basketball. Not knowing better…not caring that they don’t. Now, they’re piecing together a special season after another special season, and when the cracks in that armor shine through those outside the organization and fan base see opportunity.
To make a joke. Or an unnecessary Reddit post. Even a side conversation with a fan in an opposing arena can cloud judgment, especially of players that are still legitimately very young.
Morant and Jackson Jr. grew up a little bit more on Sunday night. They were given the opportunity to carry their team by their coach in terms of increased playing time, and they made him look smart. The two best players on the floor against the Pacers were members of the Memphis Grizzlies - and while others had some success, the reason Memphis won was Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. were on their side.
A valuable lesson was learned. It’s not about the opponent, or the record, or the streak. Good times comes and go. So do bad ones.
It’s about how you respond in all those situations - and what’s left behind to build upon - that makes the difference.