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Many figured the Memphis Grizzlies going up 3-1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves was a foregone conclusion after the Grizzlies' epic comeback in Game 3. However, Ja Morant and company let that prime opportunity slip through their fingers, taking home a 119-118 Game 4 loss to go back to Memphis with the series tied at 2-2.
While Morant had 15 assists in Game 4, he had just 11 points on 4-of-13 shooting. He missed both 3-point attempts and only shot three free throws. After the game, he lamented not being totally healthy because of a knee injury, but ultimately refused to use that as an excuse for his poor play:
Ja Morant said heās ānot Jaā right now, and that he needs to get back to that.
When asked if heās healthy he said āIām almost there. But fuck it, Iām playing. Thatās not an excuse.ā
ā Drew Hill (@DrewHill_DM) April 24, 2022
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The Grizzlies star missed nine games toward the end of the regular season because of the knee injury. He returned for one game in the regular season and then went right into the playoffs. The explosive guard has been terrific as a playmaker all series but really struggled with his scoring in Minnesota, combining for just 27 points on 9-of-31 shooting in Games 3 and 4 combined.
While Memphis was able to pull out the miracle in Game 3, Game 4 was a different story because Minnesota continued to execute offensively throughout the game. The second-seeded Grizzlies are now sweating with the series shifting back to Memphis, and they need their superstar point guard to be better.
Morant sent this message on Twitter late after Game 4:
3 game series. š» let's go gang .
study. correct. win.ā Ja Morant (@JaMorant) April 24, 2022
The Grizzlies point guard isn't going to lose his confidence on the court, so expect an amped Ja Morant for Game 5 as they look to take control of the series again. It would also help if Memphis didn't commit 33 fouls like in Game 4.
Game 5 should be a good one.
