Malik Beasley is a brave man. The Minnesota Timberwolves guard didn’t need to try to attack Ja Morant, who was descending the driveway and loading up for a poster. He could give Morant an undisputed blow, or he could try to foul him before he rises.
Instead, Beasley stepped up to try to break into the offensive at the end of the third quarter of the critical Game 5. The Wolves led by double-digit results on the road in a series of first-round 2-2 and each possession felt critical. If Beasley withdrew the charge, Morant would get his fourth foul and Minnesota would get another possession at the end of the third quarter.
But Beasley did not prosecute. Instead, Morant climbed a huge tomahawk blow that drove the FedEx forum into a rage. The Grizzlies lost big at the time, but this stabbing of Morant gave Memphis energy on its way to a dramatic 111-109 victory to lead 3-2 in the series.
What Morant pulled out of this dunk at this point makes him special. The reality is that Morant desperately needed this game to get on both himself and his team: after suffering a thigh injury in Game 2, Morant performed below his typical superstar standards and had a quiet night for scoring goals against a locked in defense of the Grizzlies. This game gave Memphis hope not only that they could return to Game 5, but also that Morant could be the superstar they need to advance to the playoffs.
Yes, Morant fought in Game 5, as did the Grizzlies. This drive was the turning point for the big return to Memphis in the fourth.
After Anthony Edwards tripled with a beautiful ATO equalized the game in the last possession of Minnesota, the Grizzlies invaded the ball to Morant and watched him make the winning game. What an acrobatic finale for the victory.
Oh, Anthony Edwards, you can’t take this theft in this place. Play to catch, keep the ball in front. Unreal finale by Ja. pic.twitter.com/06HXK7m08P
– Steve Jones Jr. (@ stevejones20) April 27, 2022
Edwards really didn’t need to try to steal, but it’s easier to appreciate Morant’s brilliance. What a game, what a game.
It all started with this dunk in the third quarter. Memphis is one victory away from the second round.
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