The Memphis Grizzlies came into Tuesday night’s play-in matchup against the Golden State Warriors with everything on the line. A win would have secured them the seventh seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
But despite a valiant effort led by Ja Morant, the Grizzlies ultimately fell short, losing 121-116 at Chase Center. While the scoreboard didn’t favor Memphis, the game did deliver one of the most unforgettable plays of the season by dint of Ja Morant’s unmatched athleticism.
In the second quarter, with the Grizzlies trailing 44-57, Morant decided to put on a show. With no clear path to the basket, he tossed the ball off the backboard, leaped into the air not once but twice in rapid succession, and finished the play with an electrifying dunk.
JA MORANT OFF THE BACKBOARD TO HIMSELF 🤯 pic.twitter.com/THQaac4xRW
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 16, 2025
The jaw-dropping moment ignited the crowd and reminded everyone why Morant is one of the most exciting players in the NBA. Social media erupted within seconds of the play. Fans flooded platforms with reactions ranging from pure disbelief to poetic praise.
“Super athletic, it’s wild,” one fan wrote.
Super athletic it’s wild
— Cory B 〽️🐅🫡 (@coryb410) April 16, 2025
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Another chimed in, “What a swish move.”
What a swish move
— XXLBM GROUP (@xxlbm_group) April 16, 2025
A particularly hyped fan posted, “Ja Morant’s self-alley-oop off the backboard is straight-up unreal! Dunking on physics like a boss!”
Ja Morant’s self-alley-oop off the backboard is straight-up unreal! Dunking on physics like a boss!
— Sandeep Bishnoi (हिंदूवादी समर्थक ) (@Sandeepbishn29) April 16, 2025
“Smooth as a baby’s bottom, dude is a highlight reel every night,” one comment read.
Smooth as a babies bottom, dude is a highlight reel every night 😳
— CentralTexasAg (@tennis4life13) April 16, 2025
Another fan added with awe, “Never seen someone throw it off the backboard like this. Ja really a created player.”
Never seen someone throw it off the backboard like this. Ja really a created player.
— Paris Amado 🏆⚡️ (@ParisAmado_) April 16, 2025
Morant finished the game on Tuesday with 22 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Ja Morant Addresses His Injury Concern
Midway through the third quarter of Tuesday’s game, Morant went up for a shot but came down awkwardly on his right ankle. He immediately fell to the floor, visibly in pain and clutching his leg. He left the court for a brief moment. After the game, Morant shared an update on his injury.
“I’m playing. That’s basically the answer I’m giving. It ain’t nothing different,” Morant said.
The Grizzlies still have one more opportunity to clinch a playoff berth. They’ll face the winner of the Sacramento Kings vs. Dallas Mavericks game in the final Play-In game for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. Now, all eyes turn to Friday’s decisive clash.
