The Rundown: Morant propels Grizzlies to sixth straight win

Scoreboard

Grizzlies 110, Cavaliers 106

Raptors 129, Spurs 104

Knicks 104, Pacers 94

Suns 123, Pelicans 110

Lakers 122, Kings 114

What went down

There are undeniable plays in certain games that tell you that a team and its star are turning a corner. You could tell that they are not just on a roll, but on a confidence-building phase that pushes them into a potential playoff contender. The Memphis Grizzlies are transforming from an upstart feel-good team into a real problem for the rest of the league. 

And at the center of the Grizzlies metamorphosis is their soon-to-be All-Star Ja Morant. 

Exhibit A: 

.@JaMorant x #NBAAllStar
.@JaMorant x #NBAAllStar
.@JaMorant x #NBAAllStar
.@JaMorant x #NBAAllStar
.@JaMorant x #NBAAllStar
.@JaMorant x #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/4HUitwvGhV

— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) January 5, 2022

He hung in the air, double-pumped to withstand two defenders, and got the tough bucket to drop!

And then there’s Exhibit B:

BIG TIME 12 🥷@JaMorant x #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/TkgYaRqw46

— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) January 5, 2022

Morant got the steal, kept the ball alive with one hand, and delivered the dagger layup. 

The Grizzlies have won their last six games and show no signs of slowing down. 

Big-time baller

Fred VanVleeet dropped 33 points in a blowout versus the Spurs. He shot 12-for-23, including seven triples, and had seven assists. FVV has been killing it for the Raptors as of late. He scored 31, 27, 31, 35, and 33 in his last five games. 

Interestingly, the last Raptor whos scored 30 or more in three straight games was Kawhi Leonard, who did it in four consecutive outings in 2019. 

What he said

Fearless and confident, Morant is taking over.

why should i be scared? we put on our shoes the same way . 🤷🏽???💯 https://t.co/4f1W0sPIdt

— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) January 5, 2022

Did you see that?

In just his second game back in the league, Bismack Biyombo made his presence felt for the Suns. Biyombo played for the Charlotte Hornets the past three years and became an unrestricted free agent after last season. Phoenix signed the veteran center to a 10-day hardship deal and has made an immediate impact.

Suns fans, show your love to @bismackbiyombo. 💜🧡

16 PTS
6 REB
3 BLK
2 STL
6-6 FG pic.twitter.com/6aFR5SE5Ax

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) January 5, 2022