Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies get their first NBA Cup win against the Pelicans

Ja Morant checked his phone after the game. Inside was a text message from one of his former AAU teammates who was proud of Morant’s defensive play against New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray.

Morant saw Murray dribbling down the floor and decided to pick him up with full pressure up the court. With Murray dribbling to his right, Morant decided to use the sideline as an additional defender.

Morant knew Murray needed to dribble back to the left and anticipated the move as Murray made a behind-the-back pass. Before Murray could get the ball back, Morant took it out of his hands and went the other way for a dunk and a foul.

This was action behind the words. Since last season, Morant has vowed to be a better defender. Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins challenged Morant to do that this season, and plays like the steal on Murray helped the Grizzlies (13-7) win their fifth straight game with a 120-109 win over New Orleans (4- 16) on Friday evening FedExForum.

“Of course everyone knows what I can and can’t do offensively with my athleticism,” Morant said. “I have the feeling that this can also be transferred to the defense.”

Murray scored or assisted on the Pelicans’ first two baskets. He had 10 points in the first quarter and was on his way to a big night. Morant rose to the challenge and helped limit the Pelicans guard to 21 points on 6-for-17 shooting.

“You can’t pick him,” Smart said. “When a guy with his offensive ability is able to bring the same skill and intensity to the defense, it scares other teams. … We love it.”

“I think this is the best I’ve seen in his six seasons,” Jenkins said. “Where it’s every night most of the time. He put in a lot of effort in one-on-one defense.”

The team depth shines again

Morant knows the team needs him to be a better defender to take the next step. This is an example of the Grizzlies taking an unselfish approach to letting their depth shine.

Memphis entered Friday as one of two NBA teams averaging more than 40 bench points per game. Santi Aldama scored 20 of the Grizzlies’ 46 bench points against New Orleans.

Memphis finished the game with a 46-14 advantage in bench points.

“We’re tough to guard,” Jay Huff said. “Even when we have injuries like we had, it’s easy to just sub the next guy on and we can get back to racing.”

Worried about Desmond Bane?

With an 11-man rotation and various big plays most nights, there aren’t as many shots. As Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. continue to put up big numbers, the Grizzlies’ third star is finding his way.

Desmond Bane finished Friday with seven points on 3-for-8 shooting. He has now scored single-digit points in each of the last three games.

Bane said his oblique strain, which kept him out for seven games, had no impact on his performance.

The drop in production is easier to swallow because Memphis is winning. Memphis is 6-2 since Bane returned from injury.

And not only that – his teammates also benefit.

“I think it’s just the new offense,” Bane said. “It’s spread everywhere. If you look at the stat sheet, it’s different guys every night. So there’s no need for me to really force the issue.”

“I’m not being pressured at all,” he added.

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at [email protected]. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.

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