In Europe, when you want to call emergencies, you have to call “112”. In Memphis, when there is a problem, you have to dial “12” to call Ja Morant. “I always have my phone in my pocket. The ringtone is activated » he likes to repeat.
This night, for his big return to the regular season, Ja Morant picked up his phone with 45 seconds remaining. The Jazz are back to three points (122-119), and the ball is for the leader. At 10 meters, he takes advantage of a screen to launch his penetration. He eliminates a defender with a dribble behind his back, then goes to score on the big frame of Walker Kessler. There are 38 seconds left, and Utah won't come back.
Great efficiency
“My job as a playmaker is to control the game”recalls Ja Morant. “I hate letting the other team's point guard control the game. I try to do everything I can to put the game in our favor.”
Result: a decisive basket, and a very clean match: 22 points on 7 of 12 shots, 10 assists and 5 rebounds in just 28 minutes. “He only played 28 minutes, but it was 28 minutes of toughness” emphasizes Taylor Jenkins.
Stronger
What was interesting was seeing Ja Morant very active in defense, alongside Marcus Smart and Desmond Bane. He had promised to raise his level of involvement on that side of the pitch, and it was visible in the final quarter. “Today, I feel like I have less pressure on my shoulders to score, seeing the guys around me, and seeing the way we play” he explains. “I'm just happy to be here, with guys who believe in me, and the only thing I have to do is play free.”
Like this last basket, a mixture of finesse and power, Ja Morant seems physically stronger, capable of absorbing shocks without falling to the ground.
“That’s what I learned from this summer: the investment in his physique, because he knows that we will continue to push him even further than in the past”concludes Taylor Jenkins. “He responded from the first match. We will need him for many, many more games in the future. »
