Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant is one of the most explosive players in the NBA today, and some people are criticizing him for that same explosiveness, including NBA legend Charles Barkley. In an episode of “Inside the NBA,” the 11-time All-Star legend explained why he believes Morant should tone his game down a little and avoid running into his opponents as much as possible.
Due to his physical playstyle, where he likes to posterize his opponents with his spectacular slam-dunk finishers whenever he can, Morant has been injury-prone this season. Barkley feels like that is not the way to go in the NBA.
“He’s a terrific player, Ja [Morant]. My only concern with him is he’s a little too reckless for me. He can’t be running into them big bodies like that because he gonna get hurt,” Barkley said. “He gotta quit trying to dunk on people.”
“My only concern with him is he’s a little too reckless for me. He can’t be running into them big bodies like that because he gonna get hurt. … He gotta quit trying to dunk on people.”
Charles Barkley on Ja Morant’s playing style 🗣️
(via @NBAonTNT)pic.twitter.com/JBJq6wN65s
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 20, 2025
Prior to joining the Grizzlies in their 108-106 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday, Ja Morant missed last Friday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs due to soreness of his right foot. There were no reports about how he sustained the injury, but it is believed that it could be from when he posterized Victor Wembanyama in their game last Wednesday.
Ja Morant goes back in action against the Timberwolves
After missing Friday’s game, Ja Morant is back, returning to help the Memphis Grizzlies secure a thrilling 108-106 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, it was Jaren Jackson Jr. who was the star of the night, leading the Grizzlies with his double-double performance.
Jackson Jr. finished the game with 24 points, 11 rebounds, two blocks, and one steal. Aiding him in the victory were Desmond Bane and the returning Morant.
Bane delivered an all-around performance, adding 22 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Meanwhile, Morant, who skipped Friday’s game to rest his sore right foot, put out a solid game by tallying 19 points, seven assists, four rebounds, and one steal.
The Memphis Grizzlies are currently on a three-game winning streak after defeating the Timberwolves, improving their record to 28-15 this season. They are now just 0.5 games behind the Houston Rockets.
If the Grizzlies win their next game against the Charlotte Hornets and the Rockets lose theirs, then Memphis is most likely going to take the second-highest spot in the Western Conference standings.
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
