The Impact of Ja Morant: Inspiring the Grizzlies to Victory

The Memphis franchise has achieved a perfect record of four victories since the return of their star player. Despite still having a negative overall record, the 'play-in' no longer seems unreachable for the Grizzlies.

Ja Morant's return to the Grizzlies, after serving a 25-game suspension, has taken the Memphis team to another level. It may be too early to talk about grand objectives, but since the comeback of their star player, they have remained undefeated (4-0), played better, and the team exudes a different energy.

"I am very excited to be back, to be able to return and win four games now. I want to maintain this great moment for us. It's not about me, but about the team's consistency, trust in each other, and continue winning," Morant said on Tuesday after their overtime victory over the Pelicans in New Orleans (115-116).

The overall numbers that count for qualification can be summarized quickly: four victories and no defeats. Since Morant's return, the Grizzlies only know how to win and resemble the team of recent years.

In essence, they are all "bigger and more handsome," but also with less pressure. The pressure of knowing that they can give the ball to one of the most decisive players in crucial moments.

At the same time, there is the other pressure, the collective one that affects the court and the offices, looking at the standings and seeing that they are among the worst. One week later, the 'play-in' no longer seems unattainable.

Receiving the Western Conference Player of the Week award on Tuesday, right after his return to competition, is not only a marketing ploy by the NBA or a decoration to fit the league's narrative. The reality is that Morant has returned with career-best averages.

Basketball is not just about feelings. The numbers are there to rely on, and in his four games this season, Morant has averaged 28.8 points, 8.5 assists, 5.3 rebounds with a 50.6% shooting percentage. Of the four games, he has scored 30 or more points in three of them.

This Morant scores and assists more and is also more effective than in the best year of his career.

It all seems like a fairy tale because a few days before his return, Adam Silver commented that he was closely monitoring Morant's situation, his suspension, and his duties.

"I am closely following his situation personally. As far as I know, he has done what he needs to do," said the NBA commissioner.

With the blessing of the top authority, all that was left was to sit back and enjoy, which is exactly what happened. The first night, in New Orleans last week, was a victory with a buzzer-beater shot that put Morant on the front pages of all media outlets.

The Smoothie King Center has become the main stage where Morant has performed this week, much to the chagrin of the Pelicans' fans, with two visits and two victories. The second, played last night, was also dramatic and went into overtime after coming back from a 15-point deficit, with Morant scoring 31 points. Indiana and Atlanta have also fallen prey to Morant's prowess.

Until last week, the Grizzlies were averaging 105.6 points per game, and in the last four games, they have increased their average to 118 points. The points allowed are similar, but the soul of the team is different: a much more aggressive defense that, on Tuesday in New Orleans, had 17 blocked shots and 10 steals.

"Obviously, defense wins games. We will be an even better defensive team, trusting each other. The number of blocks and steals shows our commitment on the court. This allows us to run in transition," Morant said.

These new Grizzlies haven't just taken a step forward because of Morant; they have also regained an important player like Marcus Smart, who has been instrumental in Conference Finals and NBA Finals in recent years with the Boston Celtics, and who brings a wealth of experience to the team.

In his return against the Pelicans, Smart scored 13 points, had 3 assists, and made 5 steals. But what makes Smart different as a player are the intangibles, like drawing an offensive foul on Zion Williamson a few seconds before the end of the game.

Specifically, Smart has missed 17 games, and despite not being able to play, he always believed in this group: "We have many good players here who believe in each other. We are a team that never gives up."

With a tough start to the season, achieving last season's record seems unattainable (finishing second in the West with 51-31). However, thinking about the postseason is not unrealistic for Memphis.

The number of victories required in the West in recent years to reach the 'play-in' rounds around 40 wins, and with 10-19, the Grizzlies still have 53 games left to play in the regular season. It doesn't seem far-fetched that they can still win between 30 and 35 games and become the team that no one wants to face in April.