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Ja Morant is the heartbeat of the Memphis Grizzlies, and when he's healthy, this 41-24 team transforms into a Western Conference powerhouse. The Grizzlies currently sit in fourth place in the West, just one game out of the second seed, with approximately 15 games remaining in the 2024-25 season for all 30 teams. Morant's electrifying play - averaging 21.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 8.1 assists in his last seven games - has Memphis dreaming of a deep playoff run, but the road hasn't been smooth for the former Rookie of the Year. The 25-year-old point guard has faced significant off-court scrutiny, including two suspensions in 2023 for waving guns on Instagram Live, which cost him 25 games and sparked league-wide concerns. Now, after rehab and recovery from a hip injury, Morant is back, leading Memphis with 25-plus points in four of his last five outings, but his past controversies loom large as he pushes the Grizzlies toward contention.
Morant's Heartwarming Moment
A recent video captured a touching moment between Ja Morant and Memphis superfan Vivian, a young girl whose ion for the Grizzlies has made her a local icon. During a game against Dallas, Vivian tried to catch Morant's attention for a quick hello, but was brushed aside in the pregame chaos - understandable, given Ja's focus on the court. But the story doesn't end there: after the final buzzer, Morant made it right by g the toy Vivian brought with her, a gesture that lit up her face and melted hearts on social media.
As you can see, the clip also shows Vivian's pregame ritual of chatting and high-fiving Grizzlies stars like Jaren Jackson Jr. to show her bond with the team. For Morant, it's a rare glimpse of redemption as he reconnects with fans after a tumultuous past, even as he battles for playoff positioning. When Morant is healthy and focused on his game, he is one of the most electrifying players in the league, even if his dunks have been diminished by his injuries, and the young fan knows it.
Grizzlies' Tight Race for the Second Seed
With just one month remaining in the 2024-25 NBA season, the Grizzlies are locked in a fierce battle for the second seed in the West, trailing Denver by one game with Los Angeles and Houston breathing down their necks. Memphis, at 41-24, is relying on Morant's health to stay atop the pack - his 25-point outbursts and playmaking have fueled a 3-0 streak, but injuries remain a concern after his hip setback. The Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic's triple-double machine, hold a slight edge, while the Lakers' LeBron James (26.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 8.1 assists) with Luka Doncic duo and Houston's young guns like Alperen Sengün keep the race razor-thin. For Memphis, securing the No. 2 seed by April 13 could mean home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, but they'll need Morant's magic-and Vivian's cheers-to outlast their rivals and silence doubters from his past.