Ja Morant does not play well, it is that he does it directly to the rhythm of exhibitions. After the fantastic past season that he gave us, we can get used to seeing games like this, but it will still not be normal. Last night there were 49 points in 31 minutes to resolve in favor of Memphis a game that was more than complicated against the Rockets. And we say that because while the Grizzlies enter this season as one of the Western Conference powerhouses, the Rockets enter this season as a rebuilding team. This did not prevent a vibrant game from being played.
Houston started better. His young pieces were inspired and at times hit the Tennessee guys hard; so much so that midway through the second quarter they won by up to 15 points (44-29). Everything worked for the Texas team, who were able to stay ahead at halftime and also at the end of the third quarter. It was then, in the defining moment of the night, that Memphis hit the gas to close out the game with its second win in as many games this season. Morant, hero of the night, pointed out that what he is achieving is nothing more than the fruit of daily dedication.
“It’s about work. Lock me in the gym. Just make as many shots as you can. I have to keep going like this, keep working even though my shots are coming in now,” says the Memphis point guard, who scored his 49 points with 17 of 26 shooting from the field (including an excellent 5 of 6 on three-pointers) and 10 of 13 from the free throw line. This was his exhibition:
Morant was by far the star of the match, but he was not alone. Four other Grizzliez players scored in double figures. John Konchar had 17 points, Demond Bane had 14 and, off the bench, rookie Jake LaRavia had 12 and Tyus Jones had 11.
33 points from Jalen Green
Houston lost, but they have plenty of reasons to look to the future with optimism. His big bet from the 2021 draft, Jalen Green, went all the way to 33 points with a fantastic 4-for-5 shooting from 3-point range. He was the best player of his team on a night in which another second-year boy like Alperen Sengun also shone, who from the bench signed a double-double of 23 points and 12 rebounds. To them were added the 18 points from Kevin Porter Jr.. Lastly, the one who was somewhat more off the mark than in his debut was Jabari Smith Jr., who reached ten points with 3 of 14 shooting.
(Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
