Williams received 458 points (81 …

Williams received 458 points (81 first-place votes) from a global panel of 100 sportswriters and broadcasters. Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins finished in second place with 270 points (17 first-place votes). Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra finished in third place with 72 points (one first-place vote). Coaches were awarded five points for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote and one point for each third-place vote

Ja Morant visibly limping during Grizzlies shootaround

Mark Giannotto: The way Ja Morant was limping around the court during the open portion of Grizzlies shootaround, doubtful seems like a generous designation. We’ll know more soon when Taylor Jenkins speaks. Jaren Jackson Jr. talking as if Ja isn’t …

Mark Giannotto: The way Ja Morant was limping around the court during the open portion of Grizzlies shootaround, doubtful seems like a generous designation. We’ll know more soon when Taylor Jenkins speaks. Jaren Jackson Jr. talking as if Ja isn’t playing.

Source: Twitter @mgiannotto

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Jaren Jackson Jr. was asked what’s different about the team without Ja Morant playing.
Ja Morant as he’s walking by in the background:
“Just tell ‘em y’all 20-5!” – 3:41 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Ja Morant walked off the court still with a limp. – 3:37 PM
Mark Giannotto @mgiannotto
The way Ja Morant was limping around the court during the open portion of Grizzlies shootaround, doubtful seems like a generous designation. We’ll know more soon when Taylor Jenkins speaks. Jaren Jackson Jr. talking as if Ja isn’t playing. – 3:33 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Ja Morant at end of shootaround pic.twitter.com/58dLa7fvHA3:26 PM

Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Talking Ja Morant and Grizzlies before their Game 4 shootaround on This Just In! pic.twitter.com/x99gFarqyT3:01 PM

Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Ja Morant walking in for Grizzlies shootaround this morning pic.twitter.com/RX4ttWFxjv2:30 PM

Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
Steve Kerr on if the Grizzlies are without Ja Morant (who is listed as doubtful) tonight: “Memphis went 20-5 without him. They’re a hell-of-a-team…We’ll be prepared either way.” – 2:07 PM
Connor Letourneau @Con_Chron
Steve Kerr on if Ja Morant doesn’t play for the Grizzlies tonight: “Memphis went 20-5 without him. They’re a hell of a team. … They’re really deep.” – 2:07 PM
Monte Poole @MontePooleNBCS
Warriors injury report lists Otto Porter Jr. as ‘probable’ with a right hand contusion.
Grizzlies still list Ja Morant as ‘doubtful’ with right knee soreness. – 1:40 PM
Chris Biderman @TheWarriorsWire
Following an injury in Game 3, Ja Morant is listed as doubtful for Game 4 with knee soreness against the Warriors on Monday. warriorswire.usatoday.com/2022/05/08/inj…1:00 PM
Peter Edmiston @peteredmiston
I certainly hope Ja Morant can play. It cannot be overstated how badly the Grizzlies need him. So far in this series, the Grizzlies have been outscored by 50 points/100 possessions in the 29 minutes Ja Morant has not played. THAT’S A NEGATIVE FIFTY NET RATING. YIKES. – 12:32 PM
Peter Edmiston @peteredmiston
The knee injury obscures a lot but Ja Morant had an incredible game, really was fantastic not only as an offensive weapon but also as a leader – his body language was really good throughout the game. Kept working hard. That was good to see. – 12:15 PM
Mark Giannotto @mgiannotto
COLUMN: Does this dream Memphis Grizzlies season have one more miracle without Ja Morant left in it? This series against Golden State depends on it now.
commercialappeal.com/story/sports/c…12:00 PM
Chris Sheridan @sheridanhoops
The #Grizzies are 10-point ‘dogs tonight because Ja Morant is supposedly out. But is he? Also, a couple of player props look nice for #Celtics: usblog.betway.com/nba/nba-playof…11:56 AM
Michael Pina @MichaelVPina
ja morant is expected to miss tonight’s game, but still leads the postseason in total points and assist rate. here’s a look at how he’s been defended in the playoffs, by two teams that believe in different things: si.com/nba/2022/05/09…10:37 AM
Tas Melas @TasMelas
Klay Thompson on Ja Morant’s injury: “I don’t even think (Poole’s) strong enough to affect somebody’s knee”. – 8:46 AM
Mark Haynes @markhaynesnba
In this episode of the Warriors’ Multiverse, you’ll hear a breakdown of what happened between Jordan Poole and Ja Morant, how long this series will last, and more.
#DubNation
🎧Listen now: https://t.co/pFovrCoofa pic.twitter.com/5nkD8dVL7t1:15 AM

Jason Dumas @JDumasReports
Steve Kerr’s perspective vs. Taylor Jenkins’ perspective.
Jenkins says his team is not trying to get caught up in narratives, yet he, Ja Morant, and Jarren Jackson Jr. all insinuated on Saturday that the play was out of line. pic.twitter.com/ZEgmprxrJD8:59 PM

Geoff Calkins @geoff_calkins
It appears the Grizzlies will be without Ja Morant for Game 4. On Ja, Jordan Poole, Steve Kerr, Dillon Brooks and a series that has taken a dismal turn. dailymemphian.com/subscriber/sec…8:10 PM
Kendra Andrews @kendra__andrews
Grizzlies officially list Ja Morant as doubtful with knee soreness. – 8:03 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
The Grizzlies have listed Ja Morant as DOUBTFUL for tomorrow’s game with right knee soreness. – 8:02 PM
CJ Holmes @CjHolmes22
The NBA’s latest injury report is out. Ja Morant is officially listed as doubtful for Game 4 against the Warriors Monday night with right knee soreness. – 8:02 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
The Memphis Grizzlies list Ja Morant as “doubtful” for Game 4 and say he has right knee soreness. – 8:00 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Ja Morant is officially listed as doubtful with knee soreness by the Grizzlies for Game 4. – 8:00 PM
Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Ja Morant is doubtful to play Sunday against the Warriors, per the injury report. – 8:00 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Ja Morant likely out for Game 4 with knee injury; League will take no action with Poole nba.nbcsports.com/2022/05/08/ja-…7:17 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Ja Morant likely will be out for Game 4 according to Taylor Jenkins. The NBA will not take any disciplinary action after reviewing the play the Grizzlies believe “triggered” Morant’s knee injury: espn.com/nba/story/_/id…6:43 PM
Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Ja Morant is unlikely to play on Monday with a knee injury. dailymemphian.com/section/sports…5:47 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Can confirm that the league will not be taking any further action involving the Jordan Poole play with Ja Morant that the Grizzlies feel led to Morant’s knee injury. – 5:45 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
I can’t recall another time when a team has gone this long without saying what a player’s injury is. Usually, there’s a general descriptor, like “knee soreness” or something. No word from the Grizzlies on Ja Morant yet, beyond that it’s a knee. Taylor Jenkins declined to say more – 5:41 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
No action will be taken against Golden State’s Jordan Poole for his Game 3 contact on Memphis’ Ja Morant, NBA says.
More NBA from me: marcstein.Substack.com5:39 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
No further review on the play between Ja Morant and Jordan Poole yesterday, a league source tells @YahooSports5:33 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Case closed. I’m told the NBA is not handing out any punishment in regards to the Jordan Poole-Ja Morant play. – 5:33 PM
Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater
There will be no action taken from the NBA on the Jordan Poole, Ja Morant play from Game 3. – 5:33 PM
Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
Tyus Jones called it an “interesting play” when describing the Jordan Poole play on Ja Morant. He added that he believes that there are no dirty players in this series and believes that Poole was not intentionally trying to injure Morant in any kind of way. – 5:22 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
Ja Morant injury update: Grizzlies star expected to miss Game 4 vs. Warriors with knee injury
cbssports.com/nba/news/ja-mo…5:22 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Tyus Jones says Ja Morant’s “spirits are good.” Jones says he doesn’t think that Jordan Poole or anybody else is a dirty player but added “it’s an interesting play… I don’t think he was trying to injure 12 by any means.” – 5:18 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Taylor Jenkins would not say what the exact injury is to Ja Morant other than it is a knee injury. – 5:16 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said that Zach Kleiman has been in touch with the league office about the Ja Morant-Jordan Poole play. But Jenkins didn’t have anything to add on what the league office’s feedback has been – 5:15 PM
CJ Holmes @CjHolmes22
Ja Morant is unlikely to play Monday night in Game 4, per Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins. – 5:14 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Taylor Jenkins said the team watched film today and some players will go to the arena and get some shots up. Jenkins says Ja Morant was not able to do anything today due to his knee. – 5:14 PM
Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
Coach Jenkins said there’s a good chance that Ja Morant does not play in Game 4.
Jenkins said Morant was not able to do anything today and that Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman has been in contact with the league office. – 5:14 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Reminder: The Grizzlies are 20-5 without Ja Morant this season. pic.twitter.com/aBfZx0G2Th5:14 PM

Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Taylor Jenkins says Zach Kleiman has been in communication with the league about the play that the Grizzlies feel Ja Morant got injured on involving Jordan Poole. – 5:13 PM
Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Ja Morant was not able to do anything today as far as workouts or practice. – 5:13 PM
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Grizzlies‘ Ja Morant (right knee) is likely to miss Game 4 vs. Warriors, coach Taylor Jenkins says. – 5:11 PM
Monte Poole @MontePooleNBCS
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins on Ja Morant: ‘There’s probably a really good chance he doesn’t play tomorrow.’ – 5:11 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Taylor Jenkins says Ja Morant continues to undergo treatment on his knee. – 5:10 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Taylor Jenkins makes it clear that he and the Grizzlies believe that Jordan Poole play where he grabs Ja Morant’s knee led to this injury. “This injury is caused by that play.” – 5:10 PM
Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Taylor Jenkins said there is a really good chance Ja Morant will not play tomorrow. He said he is being matter of fact that the injury occurred from Jordan Poole’s grab of his knee. – 5:10 PM
Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater
Taylor Jenkins on Ja Morant: “There’s probably a really good chance he won’t play tomorrow.” – 5:09 PM
Kendra Andrews @kendra__andrews
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins says Ja Morant is getting further evaluation on his knee now, but there’s a good chance he doesn’t play in Game 4. – 5:09 PM
Chris Herrington @ChrisHerrington
Taylor Jenkins says Ja Morant is getting further evaluation on his knee but there’s a chance he doesn’t play in Game 4. – 5:09 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said “there’s a good chance” that Ja Morant won’t play tomorrow in Game 4, though he said he’s still being evaluated. – 5:09 PM
Mark Giannotto @mgiannotto
Taylor Jenkins on Ja Morant: “There’s probably a really good chance he doesn’t play tomorrow.” – 5:09 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
Taylor Jenkins says there is a “really good chance” Ja Morant does not play tomorrow because of his knee injury. – 5:09 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Taylor Jenkins says “there is probably a good chance he doesn’t play tomorrow” when asked about Ja Morant – 5:09 PM
Marcus Thompson @ThompsonScribe
“I’m really him. I’m really him.”
Jordan Poole went right back at Ja Morant and the Grizzlies in Game 3. The Warriors are +26 in the non-Steph minutes in this series.
Game 1: +5 in 2nd; +5 in 4Q
Game 2: +5 in 2Q; +3 in 4Q
Game 3: +10 in 2Q; -2 in 4Q
https://t.co/ImXo00OH7H pic.twitter.com/wcFDZSBjTX4:03 PM

Mark Haynes @markhaynesnba
Steve Kerr after watching the Jordan Poole and Ja Morant incident.
“I watched the play. There is nothing to comment on.” – 3:57 PM
Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater
Steve Kerr with basically a long no comment on the Jordan Poole, Ja Morant play pic.twitter.com/MM0kXLUyuI3:54 PM

Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
Steve Kerr on the Jordan Poole/Ja Morant incident:
“I watched the play. There’s nothing to comment on.” – 3:53 PM
Howard Beck @HowardBeck
“I watched the play. There’s nothing to comment on,” Steve Kerr says of the Jordan Poole/Ja Morant play. – 3:53 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Steve Kerr on Jordan Poole/Ja Morant: “I don’t have a take. There’s nothing to comment on.” – 3:52 PM

More on this storyline

Taylor Jenkins: Jordan Poole ‘triggered’ Ja Morant’s knee injury 

In his postgame press conference, Taylor Jenkins addressed the situation and claimed that Jordan Poole’s grabbing of Ja Morant’s knee subsequently triggered this injury late in the game. “We just watched the replay,” Jenkins said. “He was going after a dribble and Jordan Poole actually grabbed his knee and yanked it, which kind of triggered whatever happened, so I am actually going to be very curious to see what happens after that.”

Taylor Jenkins on Grizzlies: ‘We are the furthest thing from dirty’

In response, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins did express sympathy for the Warriors and Payton, but he did not take kindly to his team being described that way by Kerr. Jenkins didn’t have to say he was talking about Kerr for everyone to know what he …

In response, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins did express sympathy for the Warriors and Payton, but he did not take kindly to his team being described that way by Kerr. Jenkins didn’t have to say he was talking about Kerr for everyone to know what he was talking about either. More from The Daily Memphian: “I also wanted to address a narrative out there that was said between Game 1 and Game 2,” Jenkins said. “It was said that we have to play more physical, and the word dirty has been thrown out there. I look at my locker room and I look at our culture and what we exude — we are the furthest thing from dirty. We are competitive. I want that to be squashed pretty quick here.”

Source: Robert Zeglinski @ For The Win

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Geoff Calkins @geoff_calkins
Taylor Jenkins fires back at charge that Grizzlies are “dirty.” And the series gets even more fun. Column: dailymemphian.com/subscriber/sec…9:10 PM
Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Taylor Jenkins also said Desmond Bane’s back has improved since Game 2. He participated in practice today (non-contact) and Jenkins said Bane “looked fine.” – 5:37 PM
Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
I asked Taylor Jenkins if he was surprised they have left Ja Morant so open at the 3-point line this series.
Jenkins: “I think they’ve pretty much left our entire team open. I think they’ve come out and said what their priorities are going to be.” – 4:34 PM
Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Taylor Jenkins noticed a narrative calling the Grizzlies dirty, so he addressed the situation and said the Grizzlies are the “furthest thing from dirty.”
“We’re competitive, so I want that to be squashed pretty quick here.” 
Story: commercialappeal.com/story/sports/n…4:32 PM
Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Taylor Jenkins: “The word dirty has been thrown out there. I look at my locker room and the culture we exude — we are the furthest thing from dirty.”
When asked if he objects to Steve Kerr’s ‘dirty’ comments, Jenkins responded: “I said what I said.”dailymemphian.com/section/sports…4:26 PM
Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Taylor Jenkins sticking up for his players, particularly Dillon Brooks.
“We are the furthest thing from dirty.” – 3:51 PM
Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Health and safety protocols is different for everyone, but three days in between games is a major deal for the potential return of Steven Adams. Taylor Jenkins and multiple players talked about the need to improve in rebounding vs. GSW. A weapon who can change that is lurking. – 2:40 AM
Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
Taylor Jenkins when asked about Steve Kerr’s comment that that the Grizzlies were playing dirty: “Gonna trust what the refs did.” – 12:41 AM
Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Taylor Jenkins said he wanted to be smart with playing Desmond Bane today. He was impressed with the 32 minutes he got out of him. – 12:41 AM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Asked about Steve Kerr using the word “dirty” to describe the fouls and play in that first quarter, Taylor Jenkins said he trusts the refs in their judgements. – 12:40 AM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Taylor Jenkins said Ja Morant experienced some blurriness and needed time to clear his eye sight before returning. – 12:39 AM
Mark Giannotto @mgiannotto
At some point, Taylor Jenkins has to tell these dudes to stop shooting these awful 3s. – 11:38 PM
Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Halftime: Grizzlies 56 Warriors 51
Lots of decisions for Taylor Jenkins to make.
Dillon Brooks is out. Bane isn’t 100%. Who will be the two wings/guards to finish and play most of the second half with Ja Morant?
Morant has 23 points. Jaren Jackson Jr. has 12. Curry with 15. – 10:47 PM
CJ Holmes @CjHolmes22
Desmond Bane (back) will start for the Grizzlies tonight. Memphis head coach Taylor Jenkins said the second-year guard would be a game-time decision. – 9:20 PM
Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Taylor Jenkins isn’t giving any hints. Bane is a game-time decision, so is Ziaire Williams, and he declined to share his starting lineup. – 7:52 PM
Monte Poole @MontePooleNBCS
Re: Desmond Bane – Game-time decision vs Warriors, per Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins – 7:48 PM
Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Taylor Jenkins says Desmond Bane is a gametime decision. The team will give it one more look before a decision is made. – 7:48 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Taylor Jenkins says Desmond Bane is a game-time decision with a back issue. Jenkins says the team will see how Bane is feeling later. – 7:48 PM

More on this storyline

Patrick Beverley: T’wolves ended basketball in LA😂😂 (Clippers,Lakers) We littt🔥🔥🔥 #cancuntweet #angrywelost #pettytweet -via Twitter @patbev21 / May 6, 2022
Durant is often criticized for playing on a superteam trio of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Then, this season, the Nets were preseason title favorites because KD was on a superteam trio alongside Kyrie Irving and James Harden. However, the 2014 NBA MVP wanted to set the record straight: He didn’t start the trend of great players joining great players. Barkley even played alongside Scottie Pippen and Hakeem Olajuwon. -via For The Win / April 26, 2022
SportsCenter: KD’s IG story throwing shade at Charles Barkley. -via Twitter / April 26, 2022

Taylor Jenkins on Grizzlies: ‘We are the furthest thing from dirty’

In response, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins did express sympathy for the Warriors and Payton, but he did not take kindly to his team being described that way by Kerr. Jenkins didn’t have to say he was talking about Kerr for everyone to know what he was talking about either. More from The Daily Memphian: “I also wanted to address a narrative out there that was said between Game 1 and Game 2,” Jenkins said. “It was said that we have to play more physical, and the word dirty has been thrown out there. I look at my locker room and I look at our culture and what we exude — we are the furthest thing from dirty. We are competitive. I want that to be squashed pretty quick here.”