Ja Morant’s New Approach: Why the High-Flying Star is Grounding His Game
DALLAS — The energy inside the American Airlines Center was electric. Fans leaned forward in their seats, anticipation building as Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant streaked down the court. With nothing but open space and blue paint between him and the rim, the crowd braced for one of Morant’s signature jaw-dropping dunks. But instead of delivering a highlight-reel moment, Morant opted for a simple, two-handed dunk that barely rattled the rim. The crowd’s reaction? A chorus of boos.
Morant, known for his gravity-defying athleticism and viral dunks, wasn’t fazed by the reaction. After the Grizzlies’ 121-116 road loss to the Dallas Mavericks, he addressed the moment with a candid explanation. “I’m not trying to dunk at all,” Morant said. “Y’all think I’m lying. I’m dead serious.”
Why Morant is Grounding His Game
For a player who has built a reputation as one of the NBA’s most electrifying stars, Morant’s decision to scale back on his high-flying antics might seem surprising. But the 6-foot-2, 174-pound guard has a good reason: self-preservation. Over the course of his five-plus-year NBA career, Morant has faced durability issues, and he’s determined to prioritize his health moving forward.
“Sometimes I get knocked out the air and [a foul] don’t get called, and now I’m out longer than what I’m supposed to be,” Morant explained. “Sometimes the foul might get called; I still hit the floor, but after the game you might feel that little fall. So I just pick and choose, man. Hey, two points is two points. I get it done. That’s all that matters.”
Morant’s cautious approach comes after a recent injury scare. He missed eight games last month due to a posterior hip subluxation and associated pelvic strains, an injury he sustained after being bumped midair by Los Angeles Lakers reserve center Christian Koloko while attempting to catch an alley-oop. The incident served as a stark reminder of the risks that come with his high-flying style of play.
Fans React to Morant’s “Boring” Dunk
Morant’s decision to tone down his in-game dunks hasn’t gone unnoticed by fans. The Mavericks faithful made their feelings clear on Tuesday night, booing his routine two-handed dunk. But Morant took the criticism in stride, even flashing a smile when asked about it postgame.
“Hey, I’m fine with that. Continue to boo me,” Morant said. “Hey, I got two points. It was still a dunk. It was just not the dunk they wanted to see. But if they boo me off a little rim-grazer, I’m fine with that.”
Morant, who is averaging 22.0 points and 8.6 assists for the 14-8 Grizzlies, understands that his fans have come to expect the spectacular. But for now, he’s focused on staying healthy and helping his team win games, even if it means sacrificing some of the flash that has made him a fan favorite.
No Dunk Contest in Morant’s Future
For those hoping to see Morant unleash his dunking prowess during All-Star Weekend, don’t hold your breath. When asked if he might make it up to fans by participating in the dunk contest, Morant quickly shut down the idea.
“If I’m chillin’ on the in-game, you ain’t gotta worry [about the] dunk contest, either,” Morant said. “Man, my focus right now is do what I can with the team and continue to try to get to 100 percent [healthy].”
Key Takeaways from Morant’s New Approach
- Health First: Morant is prioritizing his long-term health over highlight-reel plays, a decision influenced by past injuries.
- Fan Expectations: While fans may be disappointed by fewer flashy dunks, Morant remains focused on contributing to his team’s success.
- No Dunk Contest: Morant has no plans to participate in the All-Star Weekend dunk contest, further emphasizing his commitment to staying healthy.
As Morant continues to evolve as a player, his decision to dial back on the theatrics is a reminder that even the most electrifying athletes must sometimes prioritize longevity over spectacle. And while fans may miss the jaw-dropping dunks, Morant’s ultimate goal is clear: to stay on the court and help the Grizzlies contend for a championship.
Originally Written by: Tim MacMahon
