Ja Morant joined Kobe Bryant and LeBron James as the only players in NBA history to drop multiple 45-point playoff games prior to their 23rd birthday in Memphis’ 106-101 Game 2 win over Golden State this afternoon.
Morant finished with 47 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 steals as his Grizzlies toppled the Warriors to tie the best-of-seven series at one-apiece. The 22-year-old also joined Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant as the only players in NBA history to put up 45 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 steals in a playoff game and became the youngest player ever to do so. Morant went 15-of-31 from the field, 5-of-12 from three, and 12-of-13 on free throws to reach his 47, which was a Grizzlies’ franchise playoff-record.
After Dillon Brooks was ejected in the opening minutes of the contest due to a dangerous foul which fractured Gary Payton II’s left elbow, the play of Memphis’ supporting cast become all the more crucial. Ziaire Williams dropped 14 points on 4-of-8 threes in his 28 minutes off the bench, whilst Jaren Jackson Jr. had 12 points and 7 rebounds before fouling out for the third time this postseason. The Grizzlies struggled for non-Morant production and nearly paid the price, blowing a double-digit, second-half lead before wrestling it back down the stretch. Desmond Bane had his quietest outing this playoffs after a brilliant first-round, finishing with just 5 points on 2-of-7 from the field.
For Golden State, Stephen Curry finished with a team-high 27 points to go along with 9 rebounds and 8 assists. He struggled shooting the ball, however, hitting on just 11-of-25 from the field and 3-of-11 from three. Klay Thompson also had a tough night shooting, finishing with just 12 points on 5-of-19 from the field and 2-of-12 from three. Jordan Poole added an efficient 20 points and 5 assists in his 34 minutes off the bench, whilst Andrew Wiggins had 16 points and 9 rebounds. Draymond Green, meanwhile had 6 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, whilst Otto Porter Jr. was a team-high +17 in his 21 minutes.
Golden State shot the ball better than Memphis from the field but made just 7 of their 38 three-point attempts compared to Memphis hitting 14 of their 45. The Warriors dominated the boards and the paint but turned the ball over 18 times for 15 points. With Payton II missing, they were unable to slow down a red-hot Morant in the fourth-quarter and surrendered a narrow lead late. An overjubilant Morant appeared to have had some words for Curry post-game, which may be something to keep an eye on as the series shifts to San Francisco on Sunday.
