History and future: Ja Morant NBA superstar and the Grizzlies’ best player despite the struggles he’s endured in his last outing, he had a streak of… 

History and future: Ja Morant NBA superstar and the Grizzlies’ best player despite the struggles he’s endured in his last outing, he had a streak of…

 

History and Future: Ja Morant, NBA Superstar and the Grizzlies’ Best Player Despite the Struggles He’s Endured This Season, Carries On

The Rising Star, Grounded by Reality

Once the electrifying face of Memphis, Ja Morant has evolved into the very essence of grit amid a tumultuous 2024–25 season. While his prodigious talent remains undeniable, injuries, inconsistencies, and external pressures have tested the mettle of this NBA standout. Through it all, Morant has clung to his leadership mantle—propelling the Grizzlies forward, even when his shots weren’t falling.

A Season Marred by Pain and Frustration

This season has been unkind to Morant’s once-flawless ascent. He’s played in just a fraction of contests, missing 24 games due to lingering shoulder ailments and other nagging issues . Despite logging averages of 20.9 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.1 rebounds, his efficiency has dipped, particularly from three-point range, which plummeted to a career-low 28.4% .

Morant’s honesty has been refreshing yet painful. After a tough outing in a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, he admitted he felt “terrible” and probably shouldn’t have played . That admission laid bare the burden of competing at elite levels while managing physical limits.

Breaking the Streak—Moment of Triumph

Let’s get to the heart of the headline: that streak. The Grizzlies were spiraling—they’d dropped four straight games, all of which were particularly deflating thanks to closers and buzzer-beaters .

In Dallas, Morant ignited a turnaround. He dropped 31 points, including seven of those in the final 1:35, steering Memphis to a dramatic 122–111 win over the Mavericks and snapping their losing skid . Desmond Bane, too, delivered a career night—27 points and 16 rebounds—but it was Morant’s clutch surge that turned despair into relief .

“A little bit of Ja, the old Ja,” he said after the game—his energy and confidence returning after weeks of uncertainty .

The Broader Struggle

If March’s rally was a spark, the big picture remained grim. Inconsistent health, poor shooting, and mental fatigue plagued Morant through the season. His shoulder injury, which forced him out earlier (and followed earlier surgery last year), continued to hamper his explosiveness .

Adding to the strain—his decision to stop attempting dunks was a critical turn. Known for his gravity-defying plays, Morant chose to shelve the high-risk slams to preserve his body. After only four dunks in his first 12 games, he said: “Two points are two points… that’s the only thing that matters” .

Organizational Shifts and Playoff Heartache

The struggles ran deeper than Morant’s individual health. In late March, with the Grizzlies sitting at 44–29, Memphis made the surprising call to fire head coach Taylor Jenkins . The change rattled the locker room and injected a new wave of anxiety.

Memphis would finish the season 48–34, landing in the 8th seed—clawing their way into the playoffs via the play-in tournament . But the postseason brought no respite: they were swept 0–4 by the Thunder, with the season opener delivering a historic 131–80 blowout loss, a record for the worst Game 1 postseason defeat .

Enduring Legacy and the Road Ahead

Amid chaos, Morant’s value hasn’t wavered. He remains the emotional beating heart of the franchise—the player teammates and fans look to when games are on the line. His return to form—reflected in playoff intensity and that streak-breaking performance—shows that his peak ethos persists.

With offseason breathing room now upon them, Memphis faces a pivotal period. Can Morant heal physically and mentally? Can the Grizzlies pair his talents with team cohesion and strategic clarity? Morant’s refusal to dunk any longer underscores his maturity and survival instinct—an acknowledgment that his value stretches beyond highlight reels.

Closing Thoughts: Resilience Over Spectacle

Ja Morant’s 2024–25 arc tells a compelling story: the fragility of brilliance, the toll of injury, and the profound courage to keep fighting. Even as his efficiency waned and his body protested, he carried the team—snapping that losing streak with his explosive, old-school energy, rallying others in the process.

This isn’t the season that dazzled with flair. But it’s one that’s rich with lessons in resilience, sacrifice, and adaptation. Morant reminded us that greatness isn’t just defined by dunks and triple-doubles, but by the capacity to endure adversity and continue leading when the world expects you to fold.

As the offseason looms, questions hang in the air: Will Morant come back stronger, sharper, healthier? Will Memphis rebuild around his evolving game and safeguard his longevity? One thing’s certain—regardless of stats, Morant remains the most compelling story on the court.