Bane went on to say the idea that the Grizzlies might be better without Ja is “nonsense” and that Ja gets picked on because he’s a star and an easy target. “He will be in Memphis as long as he wants to be,” Bane added. “It’s his franchise.”
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
Desmond Bane said the idea that the Grizzlies are better without Ja Morant is “nonsense.”
Bane added: “I think everyone knows what kind of player he is: an All-Star. He hasn’t played in a month… He will be in Memphis as long as he wants to be.” basketballnews.com/stories/ja-mor… – 1:39 AM
Desmond Bane said the idea that the Grizzlies are better without Ja Morant is “nonsense.”
Bane added: “I think everyone knows what kind of player he is: an All-Star. He hasn’t played in a month… He will be in Memphis as long as he wants to be.” basketballnews.com/stories/ja-mor… – 1:39 AM
Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
Ja Morant deserves better than this.
“I was running down the court and I heard some fans courtside tell me I need to sit back out… Normally when anybody says something negative about me, it fuels me. But tonight, the remarks from the fans actually hurt.”basketballnews.com/stories/ja-mor… – 12:38 AM
Ja Morant deserves better than this.
“I was running down the court and I heard some fans courtside tell me I need to sit back out… Normally when anybody says something negative about me, it fuels me. But tonight, the remarks from the fans actually hurt.”basketballnews.com/stories/ja-mor… – 12:38 AM
Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Ja Morant is frustrated by critics. Desmond Bane has his back.
“That’s nonsense,” he said. “There was something that popped up on my phone talking about, ‘trade Ja Morant.’ He will be in Memphis as long as he wants to be in Memphis. He is our franchise.” dailymemphian.com/section/sports… – 12:10 AM
Ja Morant is frustrated by critics. Desmond Bane has his back.
“That’s nonsense,” he said. “There was something that popped up on my phone talking about, ‘trade Ja Morant.’ He will be in Memphis as long as he wants to be in Memphis. He is our franchise.” dailymemphian.com/section/sports… – 12:10 AM
Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
Desmond Bane said it’s “nonsense” for anyone to think that this team is better without Ja Morant.
And for anyone talking about trading Ja, Desmond said, “[Ja] will be in Memphis as long as he wants to be in Memphis…He’s our franchise, for sure.” – 11:22 PM
Desmond Bane said it’s “nonsense” for anyone to think that this team is better without Ja Morant.
And for anyone talking about trading Ja, Desmond said, “[Ja] will be in Memphis as long as he wants to be in Memphis…He’s our franchise, for sure.” – 11:22 PM
Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Desmond Bane said that giving to the Boys and Girls Club gives him juice — he’s always been involved with it — and he’s blessed for the opportunity to give back – 11:22 PM
Desmond Bane said that giving to the Boys and Girls Club gives him juice — he’s always been involved with it — and he’s blessed for the opportunity to give back – 11:22 PM
Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Desmond Bane said “no lead is safe in the NBA” and OKC revved up physicality, and their offense got stagnant — ball moved from side to side too much – 11:21 PM
Desmond Bane said “no lead is safe in the NBA” and OKC revved up physicality, and their offense got stagnant — ball moved from side to side too much – 11:21 PM
Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Desmond Bane calls the idea that was passed around the internet that the Grizzlies might be better without Ja “nonsense.”
He said Ja gets picked on because he’s a star and an easy target.
“He will be in Memphis as long as he wants to be,” Bane said. – 11:21 PM
Desmond Bane calls the idea that was passed around the internet that the Grizzlies might be better without Ja “nonsense.”
He said Ja gets picked on because he’s a star and an easy target.
“He will be in Memphis as long as he wants to be,” Bane said. – 11:21 PM
Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Desmond Bane said Ja Morant will be in Memphis as long as he wants to be in Memphis, “it’s his franchise” – 11:19 PM
Desmond Bane said Ja Morant will be in Memphis as long as he wants to be in Memphis, “it’s his franchise” – 11:19 PM
Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Desmond Bane said it’s “nonsense” to think they’re better without Ja, and people just want something to talk about – 11:19 PM
Desmond Bane said it’s “nonsense” to think they’re better without Ja, and people just want something to talk about – 11:19 PM
Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Desmond Bane called Ja Morant a leader on this team whose footsteps they follow, and they all want to win bad. He also added that he carries the superstar burden well – 11:19 PM
Desmond Bane called Ja Morant a leader on this team whose footsteps they follow, and they all want to win bad. He also added that he carries the superstar burden well – 11:19 PM
Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Desmond Bane on fan remarks to Ja: “We know what kind of player Ja is, and I think everyone know what kind of player he is. An All-Star. He hasn’t played in a month. Throw anyone out there without being out there for a month, and they won’t be themselves. And he played solid!” – 11:18 PM
Desmond Bane on fan remarks to Ja: “We know what kind of player Ja is, and I think everyone know what kind of player he is. An All-Star. He hasn’t played in a month. Throw anyone out there without being out there for a month, and they won’t be themselves. And he played solid!” – 11:18 PM
Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
“..I’m not concerned about the team. It’s just more me, mentally…”
-Ja Morant – 11:13 PM
“..I’m not concerned about the team. It’s just more me, mentally…”
-Ja Morant – 11:13 PM
Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Ja Morant sounded disappointed after he said a fan was saying he should sit back out during the game. Also spoke about the mental aspect of coming back from a knee injury. pic.twitter.com/Yf8gbhrPmn – 11:12 PM
Ja Morant sounded disappointed after he said a fan was saying he should sit back out during the game. Also spoke about the mental aspect of coming back from a knee injury. pic.twitter.com/Yf8gbhrPmn – 11:12 PM
Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Ja Morant said he doesn’t hunt shots, and he won’t do so to “get back the games he missed” — like others do – 11:11 PM
Ja Morant said he doesn’t hunt shots, and he won’t do so to “get back the games he missed” — like others do – 11:11 PM
Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Ja Morant called Dillon Brooks the “head of the snake” for this team with the energy that he provides — and he also praised his ability to score the way he does while guarding the other team’s best player – 11:10 PM
Ja Morant called Dillon Brooks the “head of the snake” for this team with the energy that he provides — and he also praised his ability to score the way he does while guarding the other team’s best player – 11:10 PM
Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
Ja Morant said tonight was frustrating. After missing 12 games, Ja said he was in his head a little and worried about trusting his knee. He also said that there were fans sitting courtside that told him to “go back out” which made it worse. – 11:10 PM
Ja Morant said tonight was frustrating. After missing 12 games, Ja said he was in his head a little and worried about trusting his knee. He also said that there were fans sitting courtside that told him to “go back out” which made it worse. – 11:10 PM
Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Ja Morant said there were Grizzlies fans telling him he should sit back out during the game today. He’s not sure why they said that, but was disappointed. – 11:07 PM
Ja Morant said there were Grizzlies fans telling him he should sit back out during the game today. He’s not sure why they said that, but was disappointed. – 11:07 PM
Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Ja Morant said courtside fans told him to sit back out.
Come on, Memphis… – 11:07 PM
Ja Morant said courtside fans told him to sit back out.
Come on, Memphis… – 11:07 PM
Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Ja Morant said it’s frustrating getting back and losing to a team they lost by 73, and he’s still trusting his knee – 11:06 PM
Ja Morant said it’s frustrating getting back and losing to a team they lost by 73, and he’s still trusting his knee – 11:06 PM
Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Ja Morant is here for postgame. He said he was excited to get back, but still getting his legs under him. He’s feeling fine — “nothing like NBA basketball, you’ll get tired, but nothing concern of” – 11:05 PM
Ja Morant is here for postgame. He said he was excited to get back, but still getting his legs under him. He’s feeling fine — “nothing like NBA basketball, you’ll get tired, but nothing concern of” – 11:05 PM
Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Taylor Jenkins thinks Ja Morant played well, and they played him in short spurts since he hasn’t played 5v5 in awhile. He said he expects them to get back and gel together – 10:40 PM
Taylor Jenkins thinks Ja Morant played well, and they played him in short spurts since he hasn’t played 5v5 in awhile. He said he expects them to get back and gel together – 10:40 PM
Peter Edmiston @peteredmiston
Grizzlies really look off in so many areas – not shocking given the return of an influential player like Ja Morant, but they’ve communicated poorly on defense, don’t look organized on either end, just a mess of a game. First time in a while they’ve looked young. – 10:22 PM
Grizzlies really look off in so many areas – not shocking given the return of an influential player like Ja Morant, but they’ve communicated poorly on defense, don’t look organized on either end, just a mess of a game. First time in a while they’ve looked young. – 10:22 PM
Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
Desmond Bane knocks down his 5th three of the night!
Grizz lead 89-84 | 4:18 left to play – 10:08 PM
Desmond Bane knocks down his 5th three of the night!
Grizz lead 89-84 | 4:18 left to play – 10:08 PM
Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Me watching that Ja Morant drive then kick to Desmond Bane for a 3 pic.twitter.com/DuBbcu5H4X – 10:07 PM
Me watching that Ja Morant drive then kick to Desmond Bane for a 3 pic.twitter.com/DuBbcu5H4X – 10:07 PM
Peter Edmiston @peteredmiston
Ja Morant does happen to be a +7 tonight just FYI in case any narratives are floating around out there – 10:07 PM
Ja Morant does happen to be a +7 tonight just FYI in case any narratives are floating around out there – 10:07 PM
Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
DON’T STOP THE PAAAARTY
Desmond Bane hits the layup, after Ja Morant does his best Trevon Diggs impersonation with that interception – 9:54 PM
DON’T STOP THE PAAAARTY
Desmond Bane hits the layup, after Ja Morant does his best Trevon Diggs impersonation with that interception – 9:54 PM
Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
END OF 3RD
OKC 74
Grizzlies 72
Bane: 18 points, 6 rebounds
Brooks: 15 points, 2 assists, 2 rebounds
Ja: 10 points, 6 assists
Adams: 14 rebounds – 9:49 PM
END OF 3RD
OKC 74
Grizzlies 72
Bane: 18 points, 6 rebounds
Brooks: 15 points, 2 assists, 2 rebounds
Ja: 10 points, 6 assists
Adams: 14 rebounds – 9:49 PM
Memphis Grizzlies PR @GrizzliesPR
Desmond Bane is the sixth player in NBA history to make 200+ 3P and shoot 40%+ from 3P range in his first 100 career games.
Bane joins Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Duncan Robinson, Voshon Lenard and Landry Shamet. pic.twitter.com/pVPFQKGnQT – 9:13 PM
Desmond Bane is the sixth player in NBA history to make 200+ 3P and shoot 40%+ from 3P range in his first 100 career games.
Bane joins Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Duncan Robinson, Voshon Lenard and Landry Shamet. pic.twitter.com/pVPFQKGnQT – 9:13 PM
Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
HALFTIME
OKC 47
Grizzlies 50
Bane: 15 points, 3 rebounds
Brooks: 13 points
Trip: 7 points, 3 steals
Adams: 12 points
Ja: 6 assists, 2 points – 9:07 PM
HALFTIME
OKC 47
Grizzlies 50
Bane: 15 points, 3 rebounds
Brooks: 13 points
Trip: 7 points, 3 steals
Adams: 12 points
Ja: 6 assists, 2 points – 9:07 PM
Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Bane connects for the Grizzlies, who hadn’t scored a field goal since the 7:44 mark of the second. – 9:03 PM
Bane connects for the Grizzlies, who hadn’t scored a field goal since the 7:44 mark of the second. – 9:03 PM
Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Ja Morant will the full court bounce pass to Xavier Tillman Sr.
I have no idea how he just did that. Absurd. – 8:42 PM
Ja Morant will the full court bounce pass to Xavier Tillman Sr.
I have no idea how he just did that. Absurd. – 8:42 PM
Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Ja Morant gets his first bucket since his return, after a sweet layup past Robinson-Earl – 8:41 PM
Ja Morant gets his first bucket since his return, after a sweet layup past Robinson-Earl – 8:41 PM
Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
END OF 1ST QUARTER
OKC 16
Grizzlies 28
Brooks: 13 points, 1 steal
Bane: 8 points
Adams: 12 rebounds, 3 points
Ja: 3 assists – 8:36 PM
END OF 1ST QUARTER
OKC 16
Grizzlies 28
Brooks: 13 points, 1 steal
Bane: 8 points
Adams: 12 rebounds, 3 points
Ja: 3 assists – 8:36 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Ja Morant returns to Grizzlies after missing 12 games with knee sprain nba.nbcsports.com/2021/12/20/ja-… – 8:33 PM
Ja Morant returns to Grizzlies after missing 12 games with knee sprain nba.nbcsports.com/2021/12/20/ja-… – 8:33 PM
Memphis Grizzlies PR @GrizzliesPR
Tonight, in his 100th career regular season game, Desmond Bane made his 200th career 3-pointer.
Bane has more 3PM in his first 100 career games than any other player in @Memphis Grizzlies franchise history. pic.twitter.com/ihJq7xXqrs – 8:22 PM
Tonight, in his 100th career regular season game, Desmond Bane made his 200th career 3-pointer.
Bane has more 3PM in his first 100 career games than any other player in @Memphis Grizzlies franchise history. pic.twitter.com/ihJq7xXqrs – 8:22 PM
Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
De’Anthony Melton and Kyle Anderson in for Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. for the first subs of the game – 8:22 PM
De’Anthony Melton and Kyle Anderson in for Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. for the first subs of the game – 8:22 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Ja Morant returning from injury the night he plays against Lu Dort is a ballersy move. pic.twitter.com/DgKTCbCSoV – 8:14 PM
Ja Morant returning from injury the night he plays against Lu Dort is a ballersy move. pic.twitter.com/DgKTCbCSoV – 8:14 PM
Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Starting lineups
OKC: Gilgeous-Alexander, Giddey, Dort, Robinson-Earl, Favors
Grizzlies: Ja, Bane, Brooks, Jackson, Adams – 7:47 PM
Starting lineups
OKC: Gilgeous-Alexander, Giddey, Dort, Robinson-Earl, Favors
Grizzlies: Ja, Bane, Brooks, Jackson, Adams – 7:47 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
After Ja Morant’s left knee sprain on Nov. 26, the 10-7 Mavs led SW Division runner-up Grizzlies (9-10) by 2 games.
As Morant returns tonight, Memphis (19-12) leads Dallas (14-15) by four games. – 7:42 PM
After Ja Morant’s left knee sprain on Nov. 26, the 10-7 Mavs led SW Division runner-up Grizzlies (9-10) by 2 games.
As Morant returns tonight, Memphis (19-12) leads Dallas (14-15) by four games. – 7:42 PM
Joe Mullinax @sbnGrizzlies
Ja Morant getting some 3’s up before the game tonight 🥷
Gametime decision 👀 pic.twitter.com/cAPjZJVJFb – 7:24 PM
Ja Morant getting some 3’s up before the game tonight 🥷
Gametime decision 👀 pic.twitter.com/cAPjZJVJFb – 7:24 PM
Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
I asked Taylor Jenkins how excited the team is to have Ja Morant back.
Like a true coach, he pointed out the Morant will be a game-time decision. – 6:23 PM
I asked Taylor Jenkins how excited the team is to have Ja Morant back.
Like a true coach, he pointed out the Morant will be a game-time decision. – 6:23 PM
Chris Herrington @ChrisHerrington
Per Taylor Jenkins, Ja Morant is your standard-issue “gametime decision,” but he seems likely to play tonight. – 6:21 PM
Per Taylor Jenkins, Ja Morant is your standard-issue “gametime decision,” but he seems likely to play tonight. – 6:21 PM
Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
Ja Morant is a game time decision. Coach Jenkins said he is trending in the right direction. – 6:21 PM
Ja Morant is a game time decision. Coach Jenkins said he is trending in the right direction. – 6:21 PM
Mike Prada @MikePradaNBA
THIS is modern NBA defensive technique. Watch Desmond Bane’s hips in slow motion. He flips them TWICE like a great cornerback to cut off Powell
(Also note how he correctly DOESN’T chop his feet on the closeout. That technique is outdated)
(Also note Dillon Brooks’ contest). pic.twitter.com/y8JDKKbYPN – 2:29 PM
THIS is modern NBA defensive technique. Watch Desmond Bane’s hips in slow motion. He flips them TWICE like a great cornerback to cut off Powell
(Also note how he correctly DOESN’T chop his feet on the closeout. That technique is outdated)
(Also note Dillon Brooks’ contest). pic.twitter.com/y8JDKKbYPN – 2:29 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
After 12 games out, Grizzlies star Ja Morant has been updated to questionable for tonight’s game against Oklahoma City. Morant has been recovering from a left knee sprain and a stint in the NBA’s health and safety protocols.
More NBA from me: marcstein.Substack.com – 2:09 PM
After 12 games out, Grizzlies star Ja Morant has been updated to questionable for tonight’s game against Oklahoma City. Morant has been recovering from a left knee sprain and a stint in the NBA’s health and safety protocols.
More NBA from me: marcstein.Substack.com – 2:09 PM
More on this storyline
Marc Stein: Grizzlies say Ja Morant indeed returns to the lineup tonight. -via Twitter @TheSteinLine / December 20, 2021
“Me, I’m not a big fan on the leaving,” Morant said. “As long as I’m here, I’m here; that’s my focus. Regardless, I’m going to make the best of any situation, continue to just go out with my teammates, win games, play in front of our fans and do whatever I can to continue to bring love.” -via The Athletic / October 21, 2021
“I love everything about it,” Morant told me, speaking about playing for the Grizzlies and living in Memphis. “I feel like this is my home, from the front office down, the fans, the community. Everybody brought me in and made me feel like family, and me and my family couldn’t ask for anything better.” -via The Athletic / October 21, 2021