Ja Morant is back… but still angry

I Morant was well dressed on Monday evening, after a busy weekend suspension match inflicted by Grizzlies. Against the Pistons, the leader showed a statistically correct performance (18 points and 10 assists), but without real participation: a little worried in defense, nonchalant in attitude.

Underperforming to beat Detroit. But even more than the game, it was his reactions that were highly anticipated. And they didn’t dispel doubts about the atmosphere between the All-Star and his franchise…

On Friday against the Lakers, Ja Morant seemed disinterested, struggling individually and collectively, and then critical of his staff in front of the media. He began Monday night quietly, refusing to answer reporters in the locker room. His comments after the meeting did not provide additional clarity. They even revealed a still very present uneasiness between him and his coaches, in particular Tuomas Iisalo.

Asked about the incident over the weekend, Ja Morant said: “You already asked them, didn’t you?” » He again referred to his personal feelings: “You already asked, so you know the answer.” A variation on his “ask the coaches” from Friday, shifting responsibility back to the staff. “Yes, everything is settled, surely they told you?” Obviously, they won’t tell you anything that I wouldn’t tell you. »

And a recap of his last 72 hours? “My last three days were my last three days.”

No fun

Visibly annoyed, Ja Morant assures there are no distractions to make him think about anything else, and when asked if he’s still enjoying playing, he lets out an “Oh no” and shrugs his shoulders in support. The interview continues in the same tone, with short, cold answers, full of insinuations.

What would it take to rediscover the joy of gaming? “It’s a game.” Does he have a good relationship with the franchise? “Yes. They must have told you, right? If I didn’t have a good relationship with him, I wouldn’t be talking to him.”

“he” addressed Tuomas Iisal directly, although the question concerned the whole team. “We talked about this”adds simply. Does he regret his stance against the Lakers? “ This question looks like a trap »he blurted out, suspecting a desire to create controversy.

https://vvv.youtube.com/vatch?v=rHbZFVA9Edo

The Detroit loss only added to the pressure around Ja Morant and the Grizzlies, now 12th in the West (3-5), behind the Jazz or Phoenix. The leader was a little more talkative when it came to clean basketball, especially discussing his five turnovers and recognizing his mistakes.

But one thing is clear: Memphis and Ja Morant will now have to answer on the court. And above all, find a way to resolve tensions that, despite the speeches, are still far from ancient history.

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.