Ja Morant’s Electrifying Performance Shakes Boston After Intense Showdown!

Ja Morant delivered a near-triple-double performance with 32 points, nine assists, and nine rebounds, propelling the Memphis Grizzlies to a 127-121 victory over the Boston Celtics on Saturday night. The win ended the Grizzlies’ 10-game losing streak at TD Garden, marking their first victory in Boston since November 27, 2013.

Game Highlights

Morant’s Star Performance

Morant’s electric play set the tone for Memphis, showcasing his trademark explosiveness and playmaking ability. He punctuated his night with a double-clutch reverse dunk and facilitated crucial scoring opportunities for his teammates. His near triple-double performance highlighted his continued recovery from a recent hip injury.

Supporting Cast Shines

Jaren Jackson Jr. added 27 points and nine rebounds, providing Memphis with a dominant inside presence. His contributions helped the Grizzlies outscore Boston 64-40 in the paint. Memphis has now won eight of its last nine games, showing significant momentum in the season’s second half.

Boston’s Struggles

Celtics’ Cold Shooting Night

Boston struggled from beyond the arc, shooting a dismal 18-for-60 from three-point range. Jrue Holiday led the team with 23 points, while Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard each contributed 22 points. However, the Celtics’ inability to convert from deep ultimately proved costly.

Second-Half Comeback Falls Short

After trailing by 14 points in the third quarter, Boston mounted a fierce comeback, briefly taking a 97-94 lead early in the fourth quarter. Memphis, however, responded with a crucial 7-0 run in the final minutes, securing a 124-115 lead that Boston couldn’t overcome.

Marcus Smart’s Emotional Return

Former Celtics fan favorite Marcus Smart made his first appearance at TD Garden since being traded to Memphis as part of the three-team deal that brought Kristaps Porzingis to Boston in 2023. Smart received a heartfelt standing ovation from the Boston crowd when he checked into the game at the 8:50 mark of the first quarter. He acknowledged the fans with a wave, though he struggled on the court, shooting just 1-for-11 and finishing with three points in 19 minutes of play.

Key Takeaways

For the Grizzlies:

– Morant’s Impact: Morant looks fully recovered from his recent hip injury, playing with confidence and efficiency. His playmaking and ability to finish at the rim were critical to Memphis’ success.

– Inside Dominance: Outscoring Boston 64-40 in the paint underscored Memphis’ ability to exploit its size and strength inside, despite Boston’s defensive prowess.

For the Celtics:

– Three-Point Woes: Boston’s 18-for-60 performance from three-point range reflected a rough shooting night that limited its offensive potential.

– Back-to-Back Fatigue: The Celtics lost for the first time this season on the second night of a back-to-back, dropping to 4-1 in such situations.