Ja Morant delivered a historic performance on Monday night, scoring a franchise-record 52 points to lead the Memphis Grizzlies past the San Antonio Spurs with a 118-105 victory.
The 22-year-old guard shot an astonishing 22 of 30 from the field, setting another team record for most field goals in a game. His explosive night also prevented Spurs coach Gregg Popovich from tying Don Nelson’s all-time NBA record of 1,335 regular-season coaching wins.
Praise From Gregg Popovich
Despite the loss, Popovich had nothing but admiration for Morant.
“He’s a beautiful player,” Popovich said. “It’s not just that he’s athletic. He makes decisions, he knows what is going on on the court. Combine that with his athleticism, and you’ve got a special kid.”
Highlight-Reel Moments
Morant’s performance included two standout plays that electrified fans. He threw down a spectacular dunk over 7-foot Spurs center Jakob Poeltl and, just before halftime, caught a full-court pass from Steven Adams before hitting a fadeaway jumper at the buzzer.
Around the NBA
Elsewhere in the league:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded his fifth straight double-double as the Milwaukee Bucks snapped a two-game skid with a win over the Charlotte Hornets. Giannis finished with 26 points, 16 rebounds, six assists, and four blocks, going a perfect 14-for-14 from the free-throw line.
- Scottie Barnes, the Toronto Raptors rookie, tied his career high with 28 points as the Raptors cruised to a 133-97 victory over the Brooklyn Nets in New York.
