The Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakers battled down to the wire on Sunday night at the Staples Center. Grizzlies star point guard Ja Morant had a chance to send the game into overtime but missed his final free throw.
Following the final buzzer Morant is seen walking to midcourt with his teammates and said, “My fault, y’all.”
Ja Morant after missing the game tying free throw: “My fault, y’all” pic.twitter.com/7xTmDgs23Q
— Main Team (@MainTeamSports) October 25, 2021
You could hardly fault Morant for the loss, he had an exceptional game. The third-year phenom became the first player in franchise history to have at least 40 points and 10 assists in a game.
His play, particularly in the fourth quarter, kept the Grizzlies in it with a chance to win. With less than three seconds in the game and his team down by three, Morant broke free for a three-point shot and was fouled by the Lakers’ Kent Bazemore.
Morant hit the first two and missed the last. The Lakers hit a few free throws at the end.
Final score, Lakers 121 Grizzlies 118.
It’s only the third game of the season and the Grizzlies are 2-1. The team is hungry to build off of last year’s trip to the playoffs and become one of the better teams in the Western Conference.
As the leader of the team, Morant’s can-do attitude and willingness to put in the work in is infectious. Morant has an old soul for a 22-year-old and is never satisfied. He shared a series of tweets following the loss.
i think i needed dat ..
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) October 25, 2021
failure builds character.
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) October 25, 2021
how will you respond 12…. ⏳
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) October 25, 2021
Like many of the great players this league has seen, this small moment of failure will be fuel to keep him and the team going.
Morant also took to Instagram to make it crystal clear that this game only adds to the fire and motivation within.
“wont hide from it. i’ll be right back, ten toes down. READY !!”
The Grizzlies are on a four-game road trip, and after splitting the first two against the Clippers and Lakers, finish up against the Trail Blazers and Warriors.
Ending this road trip 2-2 would be good for this young Grizzlies team. But given who their leader is, 3-1 is the preferred outcome.
