The NBA’s 2019 Draft class took center stage again, and NBA Fans couldn’t get enough of it. Ja Morant and Zion Williamson faced off in their long-awaited opening day matchup, and it was everything fans hoped for — speed, power, and a little chaos mixed in.
@ESPNNBA summed it up perfectly:
“No. 1 and No. 2 in the 2019 NBA Draft class put on a show.” Both stars came out firing, with Morant slicing through the defense for highlight plays while Zion bulldozed his way to the rim like a freight train.
No. 1 and No. 2 in the 2019 NBA Draft class put on a show 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ok7nxk1B7q
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) October 23, 2025
The duel had social media buzzing all night. @miwbballphenom tweeted,
“Oh yeah we got Guns & Buns a thrilling matchup fasho,” a nod to the stars’ contrasting styles — Ja’s quick-trigger explosiveness and Zion’s raw power.
Another fan, @AllSportHype, added,
“Need these two back to balling out nightly,” echoing the collective joy of NBA Fans finally seeing both healthy and competing again.
For years, injuries and suspensions kept their paths from crossing meaningfully. But this time, both looked sharp and hungry. Morant’s midrange touch and leadership carried Memphis late, while Zion’s control in traffic and finishing strength reminded everyone why he was once the most hyped prospect since LeBron.
Their reunion on the hardwood isn’t just about two players; it’s about redemption and what the league missed out on. The energy, the rivalry, and the showmanship made NBA Fans nostalgic for what could have been — and excited for what still might be.
Ja Morant Outduels Zion Williamson In Gritty Finish That Has NBA Fans Talking
When it came down to the wire, Ja Morant had the final say — and NBA Fans saw it happen in real time. The Grizzlies guard took control late, attacking the rim and setting up teammates, while Zion Williamson tried to answer with brute strength and interior dominance.
@JonoBarnes wrote,
“Sometimes games like this just come down to your best player vs ours. Ja right now is winning the close out battle over Zion.” That summed up the ending perfectly. Morant dictated tempo and hit key shots, showing why he’s still one of the league’s coldest closers when focused.
Sometimes games like this just come down to your best player vs ours. Ja right now is winning the close out battle over Zion.
— Jono Barnes (@JonoBarnes) October 23, 2025
Not everyone agreed with every call though. @ThomasDuplanti5 noted,
“Just got away with a walk. Moved off pivot foot,” reacting to one of Zion’s drives.
And @BradyMeyer12 chimed in simply with,
“Gotta shoot the ball,” after a hesitant late-possession moment that cost New Orleans a look.
NBA Fans had been waiting for this kind of battle — two young stars with contrasting gifts going blow for blow. It wasn’t about stats or flash alone. It was about proving who could deliver when the game got tight.
Morant’s swagger and control reminded fans of his pre-suspension form, while Zion’s fire showed a player eager to reclaim his spot among the league’s most dominant forwards. Their duel gave NBA Fans everything: drama, highlights, and the promise that the 2019 class still runs deep in star power.
For more basketball content, click on Hardwood Heroics. Sabel Reyes can be reached through sabelreyes22@gmail.com. Other websites under the Sports Heroics umbrella are Gridiron Heroics and Wisconsin Heroics.
Sabel has been working as a field reporter for People’s Television Network (PTV), mainly about the Philippine Basketball Association since 2016 and has been elevated to Executive Producer for sports in 2022. Aside from being on top of the Philippine sports scene, she is also a running enthusiast. You can also follow her on X at @SabelReyes2 and Instagram at @msabelreyes
