Ja Morant’s heroics led the Memphis Grizzlies to a huge Game 5 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. That caught the attention of LeBron James and NFL stars.
The Memphis Grizzlies hosted the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5, searching to take a pivotal 3-2 series lead. Things certainly looked bleak for Memphis, as they trailed 85-74 entering the fourth quarter. But luckily for them, they had Ja Morant.
With the game tied at 109 points apiece, Morant drove to the paint and let off an incredible layup. The ball went in the basket, giving the Grizzlies a 111-109 lead with just one second remaining in regulation. Karl-Anthony Towns’ buzzer-beater attempt never came close to the basket, allowing Memphis and their fans to celebrate inside FedExForum.
LeBron James tweeted his praise for Ja Morant after legendary performance
Morant’s late heroics caught the attention of LeBron James, who is watching the playoffs after the Los Angeles Lakers failed to clinch a postseason berth.
NFL superstars are in awe of Ja Morant in NBA Playoffs
Praise for Morant did not just come from NBA Twitter. Several NFL superstars commented on Morant’s performance, such as Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Myles Garrett and New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram.
Ja so cold!!! He my fav young bull in NBA rn!!
— Mark Ingram II (@markingramII) April 27, 2022
Skip Bayless, Mike Greenberg captivated by Ja Morant in NBA Playoffs
Finally, members of NBA media spoke on Morant bringing the Grizzlies one win closer to advancing to the second round. That includes Fox Sports’ Skip Bayless and ESPN’s Mike Greenberg.
FINALLY: JA MORANT WENT SUPERSTAR IN THE FOURTH QUARTER ON PATBEV AND THE TWOLVES. HUGE FREE THROWS. HUGE THREE. HUGE GAME-WINNER OFF THE GLASS WITH A SECOND LEFT. WAY TO GO, YOUNG MAN. THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT!!!
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) April 27, 2022
Ja Morant in that fourth quarter made a statement that right now he’s as good as anybody in the league. Absolutely epic. #Grizzlies
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) April 27, 2022
Morant put the team on his back in the fourth quarter, as he scored 18 points in the final 12 minutes of Game 5. Not only that, but the NBA’s Most Improved Player scored Memphis’ final 13 points of the game, per ESPN Stats and Info.
The Grizzlies are now the first team in NBA history to have multiple wins in one playoff series after entering the fourth quarter trailing by double-digits, per ESPN Stats and Info.
Morant finished the night with 30 points (9-for-22 from the field), 13 rebounds, nine assists and three steals in 45 minutes of playing time. Oh, and he had probably the dunk of the playoffs.
The Grizzlies will look to close out the series in Minnesota with a Game 6 win on Friday, Apr. 29.
