Memphis Grizzlies: 3 stars from play-in win over the Warriors

First star for the Memphis Grizzlies: Ja Morant

Ja Morant is supposed to take the final shots. He is the face of the franchise, its best player even in his second season, and the bright spark of tomorrow as this team grows around him. Despite how touchy this argument can become, it is his job to either take the shot or create it for others. Ball in his hands, he can orchestrate whatever he would like.

Orchestrate he did, to the tune of 35 points, six rebounds, six assists and four steals. He played 46 minutes, willing his team to victory around him. He hit a career-best five 3-pointers, including four in the early goings of the game. Then in overtime, he drove into the teeth of the defense to hit a pair of floaters that sealed the game for the Grizzlies.

Morant shot just 30.3 from beyond the arc last season, one of the worst marks in the league. In this game, he drilled five triples on ten tries, good for 50 percent. As a team the Grizzlies shot 42.9 percent from beyond the arc, scorching the earth and forcing the Warriors to play catchup.

For Morant, the playoffs are just beginning. He will get at least four more games after winning two win-or-die games. The Grizzlies’ future is bright, and in the franchise’s biggest game in years their young star was everything they would want him to be.

The Utah Jazz await, and it will be an uphill battle for the Grizzlies to make that a series. But for now, the Grizzlies and their fans get to celebrate a win, one propelled by names such as Grayson Allen and Xavier Tillman and steered home by Ja Morant.