Ja Morant’s high-flying playstyle often leads to exciting highlights, but it also sometimes results in injuries that overshadow the team’s victories. During the Memphis Grizzlies’ 131-114 win against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday, Morant hurt his right hamstring after attempting a left-handed dunk.
He landed awkwardly and left the game with 3:27 left in the third quarter. He went to the locker room and did not return to the game. His status for Friday’s game against the Washington Wizards is still unknown.
Before Morant left, he had scored 20 points, but two other Grizzlies players, Jaren Jackson Jr. and rookie Jaylen Wells, also had 20 points each, helping to secure the win without Morant on the floor. Jackson was especially dominant with his drives to the basket, while Wells continued to show he could handle significant playing time as a rookie.
Grizzlies assistant coach Tuomas Iisalo, who was acting as head coach in place of Taylor Jenkins (who missed the game due to a death in his family), explained that Jackson’s role is crucial when Morant is off the court.
“Jaren stabilizes those minutes when Ja is not on the floor,” Iisalo said. “He gives us a big boost and changes the pace of the game. He’s always a defensive presence and makes big shots when we need them.”
In the first quarter, Jackson scored two signature half-hook shots and hit a 3-pointer in the final seconds, pushing the Grizzlies to a 10-point lead.
Wells, who has stepped up as a starter while Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart recover from injuries, scored a career-high 20 points in the win over the Lakers.
Wells has also been logging heavy minutes, leading the team in playing time during recent games, including a win against Philadelphia (36 minutes) and a loss to Brooklyn (33 minutes).
“He’s been doing it, so it’s no surprise now,” said Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama. “As a rookie, it’s not easy to come in and play like that, but he’s been ready, and that’s huge for us.”
Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards, who are one of the youngest teams in the NBA, also have a first-year player making an impact. Kyshawn George had a breakout performance in their 125-112 loss to Golden State on Monday, scoring 20 points, grabbing six rebounds, and adding four assists in 38 minutes of play.
Despite struggling early in the game by missing his first six shots, George recovered well, earning praise from coach Brian Keefe: “We didn’t want him to end up 0-for-6. He puts the work in every day. I see it in practice. He’s a great shooter, so if you’re open, let it fly.”
George, who is averaging 7.7 points and 4.2 rebounds this season, will be starting again for the fourth game in a row. He moved into the starting lineup after Kyle Kuzma suffered a right groin strain during the team’s game against Atlanta on October 28.
