Ja Morant didn't have the best opening series against the Minnesota Timberwolves in round one. The Memphis Grizzlies didn't need him to play to his potential, though, as they nonetheless escaped with four wins through six games.

Usually when you have a bad game or a bad series, you'll at least have your family to comfort you. But Ja Morant's dad is not your typical supportive parent. The Grizzlies star got some tough love from Tee Morant following the Game 6 win. Safe to say he wasn't impressed

“Ja played like trash,” said Tee Morant following the Grizzlies series-clinching Game 6 win. “Yeah, trash.”

But tough love is really all it was. It's clear that Tee Morant is nothing but proud of his son, standing by him, literally and figuratively, all series long.

 

Morant averaged just 21.5 points per game on 38.6% shooting from the field, both well below his season averages. But he'll have a clean slate to start the Grizzlies-Warriors series in the Western Conference Semi-Finals. It's a good bet that he'll try to up those numbers going up against a Stephen Curry-Jordan Poole backcourt that, while lethal on offense, may struggle to keep their opposing star guard in check.

Ja Morant is still just 22 years old and yet has played himself into MVP contention this season. He still has lofty heights to reach while hitting road blocks here and there. But every step of the way, he'll surely have his dad to keep him in check.