Memphis Grizzlies Star Ja Morant Reminds Everyone Why He’s a Problem in 2025-26 Season-Opening Victory
The Memphis Grizzlies opened their 2025-26 season with a statement. Not the kind written in a press release or muttered through clichés at a podium, but the kind delivered on hardwood—loud, emphatic, and impossible to ignore.
Ja Morant dropped 35 points on 13-of-20 shooting in a 128-122 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night, reminding everyone watching exactly what Memphis has been missing and what the league should fear moving forward.
For a team that entered the night shorthanded due to offseason injuries, this wasn’t just a win. It was a declaration.
Morant Takes Command When It Matters Most
There’s a rhythm to Morant’s game that feels almost musical—unpredictable yet perfectly timed. Against New Orleans, he showcased every note in his repertoire. Quick drives to the basket. Step-back jumpers that left defenders grasping at air. Floaters that kissed the glass at impossible angles.
But it was his clutch gene that stole the show.
With 32.9 seconds remaining and the game hanging in the balance, Morant delivered a dagger floater that essentially sealed the victory. The shot was vintage Morant—fearless, calculated, and executed with surgical precision. It’s the kind of bucket that has become his signature, the kind that makes opposing coaches shake their heads and fans leap from their seats.
The beauty of Morant isn’t just in what he does, but how he does it. He attacks Zion Williamson—the number one pick from their shared 2019 draft class—with the kind of confidence that borders on audacity. He navigates through traffic like he’s playing a different sport entirely, his body contorting in ways that defy physics.
This wasn’t just about the points. It was about control. With Desmond Bane no longer in Memphis, the Grizzlies needed someone to step up as the undisputed leader. Morant answered that call emphatically.
A Team Finding Its Identity
While Morant grabbed the headlines, this victory was a team effort. Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 18 points, eight rebounds, and six blocks before fouling out—a recurring issue that continues to haunt the talented big man. Still, his presence was felt on both ends, particularly defensively, where he altered countless shots around the rim.
The Grizzlies’ supporting cast also delivered. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope provided veteran steadiness. Jaylen Wells knocked down timely three-pointers. Rookie Cedric Coward earned praise from head coach Tuomas Iisalo after his NBA debut, showing flashes of why the Memphis Grizzlies invested in him.
But make no mistake—this was Morant’s night. His 35 points came in just 29 minutes of action, a testament to both his efficiency and the coaching staff’s commitment to managing his workload carefully after previous injury concerns.
The Blueprint Moving Forward
Memphis enters this season with questions. How will they replace Bane’s production? Can Jackson Jr. stay out of foul trouble? Will the young players step up when called upon?
Wednesday night provided some answers, though not all of them. What became crystal clear, however, is that when Ja Morant is healthy and playing at this level, the Memphis Grizzlies remain a legitimate threat in the Western Conference.
Coach Iisalo addressed the minutes management postgame, explaining the delicate balance between keeping Morant fresh and maximizing his impact. “There are two components,” Iisalo said. “One, the overall minutes… we need to find a balance between keeping those minutes in check and still playing him as much as possible, because he’s Ja. The second one is how you allocate those minutes within what type and how many stints you’re playing.”
It’s a thoughtful approach that reflects lessons learned from Morant’s injury history. If the Memphis Grizzlies can keep their star guard on the court consistently, they have the firepower to compete with anyone.
Pelicans Fight But Fall Short
New Orleans didn’t go quietly. Zion Williamson finished with 27 points on 10-of-21 shooting, doing everything he could to will his team to victory. Jordan Poole added scoring punch, and Trey Murphy III showed flashes of brilliance.
But the Pelicans couldn’t overcome a devastating third quarter where the Memphis Grizzlies outscored them 41-22. That’s where championship-level teams separate themselves—maintaining focus and executing when the game hangs in the balance.
What’s Next
The Grizzlies return to FedExForum on Friday to face the Miami Heat, giving Memphis Grizzlies fans another chance to watch Morant work his magic. If opening night was any indication, this could be a special season in Memphis.
For Morant personally, this performance silenced any lingering doubts about his readiness. After missing significant time over the past few seasons due to injuries and suspensions, he showed up looking not just healthy, but hungry.
Thirty-five points in 29 minutes. Clutch baskets when they mattered most. Leadership that elevated everyone around him.
That’s not just a good start to the season. That’s a reminder that Ja Morant, when locked in, is one of the most electrifying and impactful players in basketball.
