Memphis Grizzlies star point guar Ja Morant put on a show in Game 2 against the Utah Jazz, pouring in 47 points, which set a new franchise record for the playoffs, but wasn’t enough to come away with the win.
Still, Morant left a huge impression on the series, and the Jazz as well. Morant’s 47 points were the most in NBA playoff history by a player age 21 or younger, according to ESPN Stats and Information.
“We lost,” Morant said. “Obviously it wasn’t enough.”
“Honestly, it’s not that surprising,” Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell said. “He’s a gamer. He goes out there and competes. … Tonight, he was aggressive from the jump. At a young age, for him to be able to have that is definitely special. That’s something that I respect about him and about his game. He doesn’t quit.”
“I’m not afraid,” Morant added. “I mean, that’s his job: to protect the rim. My job when I’m attacking the rim is to go finish. Obviously, he got a good block, but as you seen, I was right back inside the paint.”
“It’s what it’s about,” Jazz center Rudy Gobert said. “Sometimes I’m going to get dunked on and sometimes I’m going to get the block. I’m not going to stop coming and doing what I do. It’s the same for him. Hopefully, he doesn’t stop coming. I’m still going to be there every time. That’s just the competitive spirit. I know Ja has that, but I have that, too.”
