Morant steers the Grizzlies' new era, prioritizing connection and joy. This evolving team unearths its identity by embracing pace and shared effort.
Ja Morant was clear about one thing after the Memphis Grizzlies’ latest win: this version of the team is not chasing the past.
Following Memphis’ 125-104 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, Morant framed the Grizzlies’ recent progress not as a return to a familiar peak, but as a process of discovery for a group still shaping its identity. For a roster that has cycled through injuries, lineup changes, and new roles, the emphasis has shifted toward connection, effort, and enjoyment — concepts Morant believes are foundational to winning.
“So we not looking to get the, got a whole different team right now,” Ja Morant said. “So we trying to find our fun.”
The comment reflected more than mood. It described how the Memphis Grizzlies have approached recent games, leaning into pace, defensive activity and shared responsibility rather than forcing continuity with prior seasons. Against Milwaukee, that mindset showed up in the form of loose-ball dives, aggressive help defense and a second-quarter run that flipped the game decisively in Memphis’ favor.
Morant’s leadership has been central to that shift. Rather than dictating tempo through scoring alone, he has prioritized organization, spacing and matchup recognition, helping Memphis consistently generate advantages without pressing. His willingness to let the game come to him has steadied lineups that are still learning how to function together.
That approach has also informed how Morant views the Grizzlies’ recent momentum. When asked about the team’s improved rhythm over the past couple of weeks, he avoided comparisons to earlier iterations of Memphis teams that thrived on swagger and postseason success.
“We not looking to get back to that,” Morant said. “We got a whole different team right now.”
The Grizzlies’ performance against the Bucks illustrated that philosophy. After a sluggish start — which Morant attributed to time off and holiday routines — Memphis settled in, ramped up defensive pressure and began playing downhill. The result was a 35-point second quarter in which ball movement, floor spacing and transition offense all clicked.
Morant pointed to that stretch as an example of what happens when the group locks in collectively.
“Once we settled into the game, went on that run in the second quarter, and everybody locked in — running and spacing the floor — we started getting easier baskets and good looks,” he said.
The numbers support Morant’s measured influence. In 15 games this season, he is averaging 17.7 points, 7.7 assists and 3.5 rebounds, production that reflects a balance between scoring and facilitation. While those figures sit below his career scoring peak, they underscore his impact as a stabilizer and connector for a developing rotation.
That balance has allowed others to thrive, particularly when Memphis plays with pace and purpose. Morant’s ability to collapse defenses, recognize mismatches and keep teammates engaged has helped the Grizzlies build confidence without relying on isolation-heavy offense.
For Memphis, “fun” is not a buzzword. It is shorthand for trust, effort and freedom — the conditions Morant believes are necessary for this group to reach its ceiling. As the Grizzlies continue to define who they are, Morant’s message is consistent: success will come not from recreating the past, but from fully embracing the present.