NBA Daily Roundup: Ja Morant Shows Dominant Form in Pre-season Finale

All-Star Ja Morant provided the fireworks in the Memphis Grizzlies’ final pre-season game. Here’s a quick recap of Thursday’s 2022-23 NBA games.

Ja Morant Tallies 31 in Grizzlies Win

Behind the exploits of superstar guard Ja Morant, the Memphis Grizzlies ended their pre-season with a bang, defeating the Detroit Pistons, 126-111. Morant delivered the goods, stuffing the stat sheet with his 31 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. He provided end-to-end highlights, including a nifty behind-the-back move in transition. Desmond Bane and Brandon Clarke contributed 16 points apiece, as they finished their pre-season campaign with a 3-2 record.

The Grizzlies started out strong, establishing a 14-point lead by the end of the first quarter. They were also very active in the passing lanes, as they compiled 15 total steals as a team. Saddiq Bey had a team-high 17 points for the Pistons, while Isaiah Stewart and Cade Cunningham produced 16 and 15 markers, respectively.

Memphis played without key cogs Steven Adams and Jaren Jackson Jr., while Detroit sat out Killian Hayes, Alec Burks, and the recently-injured Marvin Bagley III.

Williams, Thunder Beat Spurs

In a pre-season battle between two very young squads, it was the Oklahoma City Thunder that emerged victorious in their 118-112 win over the San Antonio Spurs. Jalen Williams, the 12th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, topscored for the Thunder with 21 points. Sophomore Josh Giddey amassed 18 points, six boards, and six assists, while Tre Mann came off the bench to pour in 17.

Josh Primo led the charge for San Antonio, finishing with 23 points in the loss. The Spurs, who might be bound for the 2023 Draft Lottery again, will go up against the Charlotte Hornets in their regular season opener. Meanwhile, the Thunder will start their new campaign when they visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 19.