[jwplayer 6YKYPoxe]
The incredible rookie season by Ja Morant came to an end on Saturday as the Memphis Grizzlies lost to the Portland Trail Blazers in the Western Conference play-in game.
Morant saved his best game of the season for the matchup after scoring a career-high 35 points, eight assists and four rebounds. After a slow start to the game, he scored 24 points alone in the second half as the Grizzlies came up just short, 126-122.
The performance capped off a strong first season by Morant, who is expected to be named the NBA Rookie of the Year. He finished by averaging 17.8 points, 7.3 assists and 3.9 rebounds and was one of seven rookies in NBA history to average at least 17 points and seven assists.
.@JaMorant (17.8 PPG, 7.3 APG) finished his first season as 1 of 7 rookies in @NBA history to average 17+ PPG and 7+ APG, joining:
Oscar Robertson (1960-61)@MagicJohnson (1979-80)@IsiahThomas (1981-82)@Iambiggie503 (1995-96)@alleniverson (1996-97)@TheTraeYoung (2018-19)
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) August 15, 2020
After the performance, Morant earned praise from Trail Blazers All-Star Damian Lillard after he called Morant a star given his skill set on the court. Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young also showed love to Morant after anointing him the Rookie of the Year on Twitter.
Hell of a Rookie Season bro !! @JaMorant 🔥🔥🔥 #ROY
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) August 15, 2020
Led by Morant, the Grizzlies exceeded expectations this season and were on the cusp of making the playoffs. With added growth and development, the Grizzlies appear to be poised to be a team to watch in the Western Conference for years to come.
Morant captivated basketball fans throughout the season and has already started earned the respect of his peers, which may be all the praise that Morant needs moving forward.
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