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Ja Morant sent the basketball world ablaze with a monster putback dunk in the Memphis Grizzlies' game against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night.
Both teams competed for the eighth and final seed of the Western Conference's playoff bracket. The Grizzlies hoped to return after missing out last season, while the Mavericks looked to return to the postseason for the second straight year.
Morant didn't take long to create a highlight in what is a crucial game for both teams. With less than four and a half minutes remaining in the first quarter, Santi Aldama put up a shot that bounced off the rim. However, Morant was there in time as he grabbed the ball with one hand and threw it down with absolute emphasis, having the home crowd go wild.
Ja Morant. MY GOODNESS 🤯
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 19, 2025
How Ja Morant, Grizzlies played against Mavericks
That dunk highlight foreshadowed what would be a convincing victory over the Mavericks for Ja Morant and the Grizzlies.
They outscored Dallas 39-24 in the first quarter, having a double-digit lead for the remainder of the contest. Memphis showcased more balance with their offense while the Mavericks heavily relied on Anthony Davis to do most of the scoring throughout the game.
This proved to play in the Grizzlies' favor as they overwhelmed the Mavericks on the glass, winning 50-36 in rebounds. They also converted on 42% of their 3-point attempts, taking advantage of a great shooting night to secure the win.
Six players scored in double-digits for Memphis. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the way with 24 points, seven rebounds and four assists. He shot 10-of-18 from the field, including 4-of-5 from beyond the arc. Morant came next with 22 points and nine assists, Desmond Bane put up 22 points and nine assists, while Zach Edey provided 15 points and 11 rebounds.
The Grizzlies officially secure the eighth seed and face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs. Game 1 will take place on April 20 at 1 p.m. ET.
