But the next five and a half minutes go poorly for Atlanta. Dapping up his teammates." Morant recently tweeted a video featuring his highlights with commentary "nah this tough" and a fire emoji. There were more bumps and shoves exchanged and "chirping back and forth," as Bane puts it, throughout the game, when he led Memphis with 23 points in 26 minutes. Obviously, Michael Scott is the greatest regional manager the Dunder Mifflin Scranton branch ever had. We never care. Would you rather have a team of five Zion Williamsons or five Ja Morants? At first, I didnt think I was a grill person until I put it in my mouth, Harris said. Domantas Sabonis had 22 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists and Kevin Huerter added 20 points for the Kings. That puts him under 62 without shoes. Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) has all the smoke for his NBA brethren Luka Doni, Nikola Joki, and Kevin Durant pic.twitter.com/76w5wk0RHN, The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) February 28, 2023. No disagreements here Michael Scott (and occasionally Michael Scarn) is the best manager ever, and one of the greatest characters in TV history. We're going to have fun regardless. As Morants scoring average (24.5 points) and his three-point accuracy (38.3%) continue to climb, it appears the 22-year-old may have sold himself short. Their 35-18 record, third best in the NBA, indicates they're probably right. The room was dim, with most of the lights focused on the Memphis Grizzlies star, whosewide smile lit up the room. Oden, meanwhile, led the Buckeyes to the NCAA Finals before losing to No. Nikola Vucevic led Chicago with 23 points and Zach LaVine had 17. In 2020-21, teams walked the dog 54 times, wasting more than 7 minutes of game time. Of course, there are days when Ja Morant would have some unhealthy meals, but he tries to eat as healthy as he can most of the weekfocusing on carbs before the game or practicing as he needs energy. Also, in the last pic, you can see that the proper box jumps now replace the tire drills. NEW YORK (AP) Giannis Antetokounmpo had 33 points and 15 rebounds and Milwaukee beat Brooklyn for its 15th straight victory. If he did, he probably did jump lots of times a day. So Ja Morant is still focusing on the plyometrics workouts that will help him stay light and fly high on the court. Besides that, he has also incorporated certain lifting routines that focus on compounds exercises and functional workouts. Yes, Morant is speedy, but its not like hes a deadly 3-point shooter. When Paul became a Rocket in 2017, in the Daryl Morey and Mike D'Antoni era, the guard's attention to detail dovetailed with the league's most analytics-friendly organization. However, the Scranton branchs other eight regional managers (by my count) have been a mixed bag. But, you can be sure that he did some kind of jump training whether is was supervised by a coach, training or just on his own. Why is it becoming so common, and why is Morant so obsessed with it? The numbers are just as staggering when you account for all four quarters, with a total of 668 dog walks this year alone. Atlanta could have used those wasted seconds in the game's final moments. They also beat the Thunder on Sunday night. When Morant wasted those 20-plus seconds in that October win over Brooklyn before drawing Simmons' sixth foul, the time loss alone added 1.4% win probability for Memphis, per research by Patrick McFarlane that utilized NBA Advanced Stats data. ), Chris Marler (co-host of the SDS Podcast). Also, in the last pic, you can see that the proper box jumps now replace the tire drills. In just over half this season, Morant has wasted more time walking the dog than any team had in an entire year and holds three of the longest dog walks recorded in the NBA this season (his teammate Desmond Bane has one of the others). No way this doesnt come up again during the NBA playoffs. In the 1990s, the tactic became more prevalent again. But it sure seems like it. Hes the 6-3, 175-pound point guard for Murray State, averaging 24.4 points, 10.3 assists, 5.3 rebounds and two steals As per our lengthy text argument the other night, though, Im taking five Zions every time. "I'll never forget watching the game, and one of the commentators was talking so bad about it. And back. As all basketball players go to a basketball gym and inside it, they have a court, weights, and many other facilities, as you can see here in this. The league is on pace to more than double its usage of the move this year compared to the 2019-20 season. "It's just a smart play to waste time," says Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks. Thus, he still does strength and conditioning. We tracked these by looking at dog walks lasting over five seconds after made baskets. Morant, the team's dog-walker-in-chief, is sitting out due to thigh soreness, so Tyus Jones is getting the start at point guard. Michael Porter Jr. added 17 points and Bruce Brown had 15 off the bench to help the Nuggets to their second consecutive victory and sixth in the last seven games. By comparison, a player who grabs a rebound (either offensive or defensive) during a non-clutch period of a given game is adding about 1.7% win probability by doing so. This copy is for your personal non-commercial use only. Hes Primed for a Lot More. Xavier Tillman finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds for Memphis, while Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane scored 16 points apiece. Dillon Brooks, 26, is known in Memphis for snarling defensive stops and an extensive collection of extravagant shades, which he routinely rotates in postgame media sessions. "All of us on our team pretty much grew up watching [James] play," Morant says later. San Antonio improved to 15-47, winning for the first time this season after trailing to start the fourth quarter. Turning the ball over. So if you also want the secret to the, When I say the gym workout, I dont mean weight training; its part of it, but not the whole gym workout. Bane swishes a trailer 3 -- wide open because James is slow getting back in transition -- and lets the all-time great know about it: These high-flying and in-everyone's-face Grizzlies are a tight-knit, young team that is ruffling the feathers of the NBA's old guard. SENSING AN ACROBATIC opportunity, Ja Morant skips with excitement and raises his left hand. Morant often motions to his inbounder to roll the ball in slowly in these situations right as they materialize, especially when leading late in a game. Ja Morant started with the tire drill; you can find it easily on YouTube. Whats even more inspiring is that Ja Morant is just 63 tall with shoes on. Lillard had 25 points and seven assists to follow up his franchise-record and career-best 71-point game against Houston on Sunday night, when his 13 3-pointers were one shy of Thompsons NBA record. So fun! Ja Morant had already blessed the NBA evening with an all-time highlight once his astounding, above-the-box chasedown block on Bennedict Mathurin was ruled legal. Thats not as effective in a very physical game like the NBA because you have to rely on more skill. Lonnie Walker IV scored 21 points. OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Harrison Barnes scored 29 points and Sacramento beat Oklahoma City for its fourth consecutive victory. You will see him there doing all the things that I have mentioned. In a 2020 YouTube video with Dang, Morant was asked whetherhe would wear the grill in a game. WebJa Morant and LeBron James face off in a matchup of two of the league's top scorers when Memphis and Los Angeles hit the court. Thanks in part to that play, Memphis wins by 10. Its what everybody has been waiting for. SAN FRANCISCO (AP) Jordan Poole had 29 points, six assists and five rebounds, Klay Thompson scored 23 points and Golden State rallied past Damian Lillard and Portland. The stylized M on the buckle, represents Memphis iconic M-Bridge highlighted with the chrome detailing and diamond texture throughout the uniform. Jalen Green and Tari Eason each scored 17 points for Houston. This is why I always say that you cant judge a vertical leap by just the inches. "That's your last motherf---ing time. The Celtics, often spurred by Marcus Smart, are on pace to smash prior records for time wasted via walking the dog (though they'll finish well behind the Grizzlies). Paul George had 25 points and Kawhi Leonard 23 for the Clippers, who have dropped three straight. That's what makes the game so great, it's not just a physical game, it's also a mental game. "We definitely feel like an AAU team more than whatever you want to call other teams," says Jackson, who has emerged as an All-Defensive candidate. Ja Morant is not a guy doing standard bodybuilding workouts and getting an incredible physique. "They got maybe an extra four, five seconds in the backcourt before they touched the ball, and then they had a little extra time to operate.". Unsurprisingly, the shorthanded Lakers struggled at the hands of the Grizzlies, and it resulted in a 121-109 win for the home team. Therefore, I am a big fan of Funfetti cake, generously topped with whipped vanilla icing (the Funfetti icing is also great). Republication or distribution of this content is 22 HOURS AGO ASSOCIATED PRESS. By adding Kevin Durant, the Phoenix Suns became instant contenders. Others just think it's downright boring to watch. Antetokounmpo played along and it is classic. When it comes to 3-point field goal percentage, Morant is shooting 33.8 percent, while Williamson is knocking down 29.2 percent of his outside shots. I finally made it.. Simmons hits him in the arm. The Grizzlies have walked the dog 34 times this season in crunch-time scenarios, wasting 5 minutes and 10 seconds of game clock. Of course, there are downsides to the tactic, too. Doncic had 39 points and nine rebounds on his 24th birthday but fell to 1-4 in games with Kyrie Irving since the superstars were paired in a deal with Brooklyn before the trade deadline. But probably not 800 times. The Memphis Grizzlies have announced that star point guard Ja Morant will miss Wednesday's game vs. the Brooklyn Nets with right knee soreness. The trend may seem a bit silly, but it's impacting the outcome of games. They got Antetokounmpo back after he missed their home victory over Phoenix on Sunday with a bruised right quadriceps. I would say so, said Chance Harris, VIP manager for Diamond Boys and Johnny Dang & Co. They're definitely stomping on them as far as being the most glacierous team in the NBA.". But nowhere near other NBA players. The Rockets had flashcards showing the math behind 2-for-1s: If they took a shot with 30 seconds left in a quarter, they would get two of the three final shots. Two years ago, Morant became a regular dog walker in his sophomore season and quickly got his team to buy in. 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Foul. That much was proved when Memphis went 10-2 while Morant was sidelined half of December because of a knee injury. The Warriors capitalized on every chance during their decisive 39-point third quarter, taking the lead for good on Thompsons 3-pointer with 1:46 left in the period on the way to winning a fourth straight at home and eighth in nine. Still in uniform. "I think [opponents] are probably a little tired," Jones says. Ja Morant is a professional basketball player that plays for the Memphis Grizzlies as a point guard in the NBA league. "The big part is, you've got to show it in the playoffs. James has seen and heard enough, especially from Bane. Ja Morant is a well-known player in the NBA league and is primarily known for that crazy bounce. Rough translation: a supreme level of swagger, a palpable confidence in the way the Grizzlies carry themselves, how the bench celebrates by dancing, laughing and falling over one another, the constant chatter coming from Memphis players' mouths. In fact, he self-trained this much that he was dunking by 14 years old. Jokic had 14 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for his NBA-leading 24th triple-double this season and 15th in the last 20 games. The ability to travel in the air, explosiveness. Bane picks up his dribble, takes two long strides down the middle of the floor and lofts a pass high over Los Angeles Lakers forward Stanley Johnson in the paint. The first known example of this strategy came in the 2016-17 season: Sacramento Kings guard Ty Lawson burned over 20 seconds with under three minutes remaining while nursing a lead over the Nuggets. Durant puts Phoenix on a contending tier because, when healthy this season, he has played at an MVP level averaging 30 points a game with a 67.5 true shooting percentage, plus adding 6.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists a night. Bane barks back at James before Jackson jovially puts his hands on his teammate's shoulders and escorts him away from the lecturing legend. Bane figures James felt the need to express his frustration after giving up the transition 3, hearing a little more talk and then committing a turnover. Bron is a big-time competitor and Des is the same way. Today marks the successful culmination of Mrs. Bryants courageous battle to hold accountable those who engaged in this grotesque conduct, Bryants attorney, Luis Li, said in a statement to the USA Today. Avery Bradley also hacks Morant, who still manages to almost get the and-1, as his floater hits back iron. Then this number grew to 50 times. Ja Morant Workout Routine and Diet Plan [Updated]: Ja Morant is a professional basketball player that plays for the Memphis Grizzlies as a point guard in the NBA league. With about five minutes left, Denver forward Aaron Gordon slammed a two-handed dunk to pull the Nuggets within 13. It is said that Ja Morants vertical jump is now 48 inches. The Grizzlies pride themselves on player development and fundamentals, but they don't take themselves too seriously. Nuggets coaches called for Gordon to force Tatum to pick the ball up. Contact Damichael Cole at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com and on Twitter @damichaelc, Why ESPN's Stephen A. Smith is bitter every time he watches Ja Morant, How Memphis Grizzlies' Desmond Bane made fans from his Indiana hometown even prouder, ESPN to spend full day in Memphis for all programming as part of Grizzlies all-access special, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Walking the dog is a simple way to facilitate this. With the player most capable of staring down a star and going hoop-for-hoop with one of the NBAs best unavailable, the Lakers couldnt do enough against Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies, losing 121-109 to stop a three-game winning streak. Memphis Grizzlies Xavier Tillman Sr. (2) defends against LosAngeles Lakers Anthony Davis in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, in Memphis, Tenn. Your email address will not be published. It's not as simple a decision as just trying to take time off the clock, because it could actually hurt you.". However, I will still give you an NBA trainer-approved drill that will work on your stretch, mobility, ankle mobility stability, core stability, etc. HOUSTON Ja Morant entered a press conference room and took his seat in front of 30 or so media members during the NBA's All-Star media day earlier this month. "You are able to run some time off the clock. (At) Toronto 104, Chicago 98: Pascal Siakam scored 20 points, Gary Trent Jr. had 19 and Toronto beat Chicago for its eighth victory in 10 games. He'll leap out of the way instead of catching the ball if the inbounder throws it too hard in his direction. "Drippy," Morant says. As you would expect, hes an slightly below average 3 points shooter since hes able to dominate his defenders off the dribble and by jumping over them. They were feeling awfully good about themselves 10 games into what ended up being a franchise-record 11-game winning streak, which featured victories over James' Lakers (twice), Paul's Suns, Kevin Durant's Brooklyn Nets and Stephen Curry's Warriors. On any given weekend at a lounge, bar or gathering in Memphis, a room of people could end up rapping in unison:Johnny did these teeth, whole lotta cheese for these VVS," a nod tothe song "Tick"by Memphis rapper Big Homiie G. Morant himself referenced the line in an Instagram post that showed off his smile from the All-Star Game press conference. By looking at his physique, you know weight training is the not the biggest factor. 226K subscribers. He keeps letting the ball roll alongside him, knowing the 24-second shot clock won't start until he touches it -- burning precious game clock at the same time, almost 21 seconds now. It is very obvious on how he plays because once he gets half a step on you, hell just elevate and create his shot while in the air. Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant (wrist) is starting in Tuesday's contest against the We support responsible gambling. AFTER PONDERING FOR a moment, Morant comes up with a word to describe the Grizzlies' culture. The art of rolling the ball up the court on an inbound has quietly been a part of the game for seven decades. It gives us a boost, a lot of energy out there on the floor, so we're going to continue to do it.". The ball rolls another inch, another inch, another inch. Austin Reaves had 17, while matching his season high with four 3-pointers. This is the last motherf---ing time I'm gonna say it. This is the secret history -- and the secret value -- of walking the dog in the NBA. "But at the end of a game on a final possession, if a team has four seconds as opposed to one second to get off a shot to win or tie a game? If they don't, great. Then, when Morant launches a 3, Williamson can bust out one of these: Again, this isnt a knock on Morant, and five of him could certainly keep things close against five Zions, but Ill take the guy who could dominate in the paint over the 6-3 guard. LOS ANGELES (AP) Jaden McDaniels scored 20 points, Anthony Edwards added 18 and Minnesota beat Los Angeles to snap a three-game losing streak. The Memphis Grizzlies have announced that star point guard Ja Morant will miss Wednesday's game vs. the Brooklyn Nets with right knee soreness. How would you rank the other managers on The Office? It would be a great way to meet some of my favorite people, though, so heres who Id pick: Lets be real Marler is a nice guy and all, but I put him in there specifically so I could try to turn the tide against him when people start getting hungry. Still, every year, we have to hear about how one quarterback is too short (though not Kyler Murray! That's enormous.". UPDATE: Ja Morant has returned to the team's bench. Morant finished with 23 points and 10 assists, while Bane scored 25, leading the Grizzlies to a 130-112 win, their ninth victory in a row. So now, its more of a proper gym workout that Ja Morant introduced by the team trainer. And its not just jumping straight up but also hanging in the air and body control which allows his to be the most exciting player in the NBA today with his electrifying drives to the basket. This just goes to show you that proper training will help you keep increasing your vertical jump even if you think youve reached your max. He's utilized the move 41 times across all quarters and has been the ball handler on 23 of those 34 plays in crunch time, wasting over three minutes of game clock. Afterward, Morant explains that he was baiting Simmons, knowing he'd bite based on past experience. Williams missed his two free throws, but the foul call crushed the Nuggets' momentum, and the Celtics won easily. DeMar DeRozan scored 13 points against his former team. Jackson makes outlandish fashion decisions based on the cities the Grizzlies visit, like the "fiesta pants" he sported in San Antonio -- black designer jeans with frills down the sides. My wife hates elevators, and getting stuck in one like that is literally her worst nightmare, but Id fare a little better in that scenario. Memphis, Tenn. Ja Morant scored 28 of his 39 points in the third quarter, had 10 assists and 10 rebounds and the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Los Angeles Lakers 121-109 on Tuesday night in the Lakers first game since LeBron James injured his right foot. This is so dumb. "Nah, he ain't hoopin'. It's the other team not coming up to guard him.". Even those teams that played a slower style didn't utilize the tactic much; some footage appears to show Charles Barkley walking the dog before bullying his way inside for a bucket, but other examples are hard to come by. San Antonio improved to 15-47, winning for the first time this season after trailing to start the fourth quarter. Barton will come off the bench behind Gary Trent Jr. and O.G. Young goes 0-for-3 from the floor, Houston's Jalen Green explodes late in the fourth and the Hawks lose the game, 128-122. Breaking down stats and film on LA's difficulties, Brooklyn's upcoming stretch and this season's top late-game shooters. As he crosses half court, Morant finally picks up the ball and glances over to his bench. So what was Ja Morant doing? presentation-ready copies of Toronto Star content for distribution Even Shaquille ONeal is a regular customer to get a custom piece from Dang. Teams have walked the dog 164 times, wasting over 23 minutes. That's true even when the game clock continues to run, such as following a made basket. (The exceptions: the final minute of the first three quarters and the final two minutes of the fourth and OT.) "It's just like, yeah, somebody's mad that we're talking s---. ), one offensive lineman (Jonah Williams of Alabama this year) has short arms and a couple of guys have smaller hands than people thought. Also, who would you have to eat first when things turn south? It was a plyometric drill that was done for 2 hours. It's not like it's something that if you thought it was hurting you, it couldn't be overcome.". Everybody does the same things, watches the same stuff. As Gordon jogged back on defense, Al Horford rolled the ball to Jayson Tatum so slowly that it completely stopped before his own free throw line. Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 28 points and 19 rebounds. Ja Morant is a well-known player in the NBA league and is primarily known for that crazy bounce. Ja Morant can fly in the court, man, and he can fly so high, and he has to train hard for that. This young lad is one of the youngest players in the NBA, and if he keeps doing what he is doing and gets better, he will be here for over a decade or two. Would it be enough to save me from being the first one eaten? Ja Morant was weaving past defenders, the Pacers Jalen Smith was slow to recognize what was happening and late with his rotation, and the result was a dunk-of-the-year candidate. Don't let somebody try to do that,'" he says. Opponents are hesitant to really press him 75-plus feet from their own hoop. Still, having me and five other people in the elevator would be pretty cramped, so Ill have to be strategic with who I pick to be in there with me. Denver 133, (at) Houston 112: Nikola Jokic had his 100th career triple-double and Jamal Murray scored 32 points in Denvers victory over Houston. F--- that, I don't play that s---.". What I do know is that the source of his vertical jump comes from a jumping drill his father Tee Morant created for him at a young age. rights reserved. Ja saw daylight. If you do not yet have a Torstar account, you can create one now (it is free), Copyright owned or licensed by Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. Morant is almost at half court. Your email address will not be published. 525K views 11 months ago #nbahighlights #nba. Harris has been by his side for many of those meetings, including as Morant's driver in 2020. pic.twitter.com/Bf4PHDKI6a, Etan Thomas (@etanthomas36) January 15, 2023. You will see him there doing all the things that I have mentioned. 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. That includes a last-second game winner in Phoenix that Morant banked in after driving and contorting his body in traffic. AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports, Anyone can read Conversations, but to contribute, you should be a registered Torstar account holder. The Grizzlies rank fourth in net rating in those situations, outscoring opponents by 15.7 points per 100 possessions. Also Read: Stephen Curry Workout Routine and Diet Plan, I am a content writer and a fitness lover, likes to read and learn a lot about fitness, health, and wellness. Specifically, will Ayton be comfortable with his role shifting, getting fewer post touches and doing more pick setting, being asked to rebound and anchor the defense? Trae Young's Hawks held the previous record, with 18 late-game walks over a full season, wasting 2 minutes and 21 seconds of game clock in 2021-22. Instead, Morants jumping style is more wily. "It's in our DNA," Bane says, "just being underdogs.". Chaz NBA. Between each of these drills, Ja was asked to jump on tractor tires for 25 times. Add in some of the other agility drills and I think there are a few that I could finish not last in. LA County sheriff and fire departments employees took and shared photos on their phones from the tragic and gruesome crash site on Jan. 26, 2000. Just check out the crazy Ja Morant dunks hes been able to do. He successfully lobbied to get himself voted in as an All-Star starter and frequently pushes Bane for Most Improved Player and Jackson for Defensive Player of the Year. TORONTO (AP) Pascal Siakam scored 20 points, Gary Trent Jr. had 19 and Toronto beat Chicago for its eighth victory in 10 games. Quite literally, actually. HOUSTON Ja Morant entered a press conference room and took his seat in front of 30 or so media members during the NBA's All-Star media day earlier this Ja Morant has a 44 inch vertical leap. He scored a season-high-tying 41 points in the 118-110 win against the Spurs, putting on the kind of show people have come to expect. Bane matter-of-factly explains "that little ordeal at the free throw line that everybody saw" this way: It all started, he says, after he drove for an and-1 layup in the first half and got an extra bump and shove from James after the whistle. The Grizzlies have taken a big enough leap this season to not just make the playoffs, but to potentially do so with a Game 1 in Memphis. 2 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, behind Zion. We hope Ms. Bryant and her children continue to heal from their loss, Hashmall said in a statement. Morant only needs to maintain a slow walk to keep up as he scans the court, uncontested by any Nets defender. Ja Morant was weaving past defenders, the Pacers Jalen Smith was slow to recognize what was happening and late with his rotation, and the result was a dunk-of-the "[There] could be all sorts of scenarios where you'd want to do it, but the main objective of it is taking advantage of the shot clock," Bogues says. Ja Morant was weaving past defenders, the Pacers Jalen Smith was slow to recognize what was happening and late with his rotation, and the result was a dunk-of-the-year candidate. That's pretty much what went into it. "All of us are still fans of this guy. How quickly you go up, how long you hang, how much control you have while up there are just a few factors. It is for me.. Ja Morant has a 44 inch vertical leap. Because of Ja Morants amazing 44 inch vertical jump, it is only natural that a lot of people try to figure out how he achieved it. Nobody's trying to win the verbal conversation right now of who we are in January.