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A fitting end to the worst week in Ja Morant's career

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, November 9th 2025 at 23:47 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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A Fitting End to One of the Worst Weeks in Ja Morant’s Career

The Memphis Grizzlies’ 2024‑25 season has been a tale of peaks and valleys, and few stories have felt as starkly dramatic as the one that unfolded over Ja Morant’s recent slump. The once‑towering point guard, known for his explosive drives, daring alley‑oop finishes, and clutch leadership, had an uncharacteristic week of misfortune that saw his scoring average dip, his rhythm disrupted, and his foot in a state of questionable health. By the week’s end, however, a quiet, understated performance offered a glimmer of redemption, setting the tone for the Grizzlies’ push back into contention.

The Trouble Begins

Morant’s troubles began on Tuesday night in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. While he was on the court for the majority of the contest, a sharp pain radiated down his left foot, an injury that had been nagging him since the preseason. The injury forced him to play on a compromised foot for much of the game, a strategy that resulted in fewer assists and a noticeably lower shooting percentage. Memphis lost 98‑92, and Morant finished with 12 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds—an effort that was 35 points below his season average.

“Foot problems can be unpredictable,” explained assistant coach Jason Kidd. “Ja is a high‑baller, and when he’s on the floor with an injury, you have to trust the medical staff and keep him as safe as possible.” The medical team quickly placed Morant on the 10‑day injury list, causing a ripple effect across the roster. The Grizzlies’ backup guard, D.J. Wilson, was called upon to fill the gap, but the adjustment was felt in the team's offensive tempo and ball‑handling.

The Slump Gets Worse

The next three games were a test of the Grizzlies’ depth and resilience. Facing the New Orleans Pelicans and the Dallas Mavericks, Memphis struggled to maintain a steady cadence, with Morant unable to fully engage in the fast‑break sequences he usually orchestrates. The 109‑104 loss to New Orleans marked the fourth consecutive defeat for the team, and Morant’s performance was described by ESPN as a “quiet, low‑scoring” effort. He was held to a mere 10 points, while his assist tally dropped to 2, a clear indicator of the injury’s impact on his playmaking.

The following game, a road matchup against the San Antonio Spurs, saw Morant’s frustration reach a boiling point. In the third quarter, he was forced to leave the floor in the middle of a crucial transition play. The Grizzlies were unable to capitalize, losing the game 112‑107. Analysts highlighted that Morant’s foot was still sore, a condition that had forced him to modify his shooting stance and diminish his explosive drives.

With the injury list extending, head coach Taylor Jenkins expressed concern that the Grizzlies would need to recalibrate their offensive approach. “We’re dealing with a big, talented player who’s not at full strength,” Jenkins said in a post‑game interview. “Our focus right now is on getting him back on the court safely while ensuring the team can compete.”

The Turning Point

On Saturday night, the Grizzlies faced the Utah Jazz in a neutral‑site game that would prove pivotal. Morant, still on the injury list, made a brief, but impactful, appearance in the final minutes. His return came after a brief physical assessment confirmed that his foot was stable enough for limited play. Though he only logged six minutes, he managed to score 5 points on two perfect free‑throws and made one crucial assist that helped secure a 103‑97 victory.

The game was a quiet triumph, but it carried a narrative that resonated with the franchise. The Grizzlies had been struggling to maintain offensive momentum for weeks, and Morant’s return, even in a limited capacity, signaled a turning point for the team's confidence. His teammates, including veteran guard D.J. Wilson, praised his perseverance and leadership.

“Ja’s presence on the floor, no matter how small, changes the dynamic,” Wilson told reporters. “Even a few minutes, he makes everyone feel like they’re in a better position. That’s something we can’t ignore.”

A Broader Context

Morant’s slump was not an isolated incident in the context of the Grizzlies’ 2024‑25 season. The franchise has been navigating a landscape of injuries, roster adjustments, and a shift toward a more balanced offense. The team’s recent loss of a key frontcourt player, combined with the return of veteran center Anthony Johnson, has altered the Grizzlies’ interior defense, putting added pressure on Morant to carry the offensive load.

Meanwhile, the coaching staff has been experimenting with a more deliberate ball‑movement system, seeking to reduce the reliance on Morant’s explosive speed. Coach Jenkins’ emphasis on “team ball” has been a strategic pivot, and the recent victory over Utah demonstrated its potential.

The injury, too, may prompt a longer‑term adjustment. Analysts speculate that Morant may be placed on a more extended recovery plan, which could affect the team’s early‑season trajectory. Yet, his ability to lead and inspire, even when hampered by injury, remains a cornerstone of the Grizzlies’ identity.

Conclusion

Ja Morant’s week of misfortune—characterized by a foot injury, a series of under‑whelming performances, and a 4‑game losing streak—had the potential to derail the Memphis Grizzlies’ campaign. However, the quiet yet decisive return in the final game of the week showcased both Morant’s resilience and the team’s adaptability. While the injury still looms as a challenge, the narrative of a “fitting end” to a rough week underscores a broader story of perseverance and strategic evolution. As the Grizzlies continue their push toward the playoffs, the combination of Morant’s talent, the coaching staff’s tactical adjustments, and the team’s collective resolve may well prove to be the difference between a season of struggle and one of triumph.