Ja Morant Says Hip Issue Caused By Cramps, Scores Career-High 46 Points vs Bulls

2 min read • February 27, 2022

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NBA

Grizzlies' budding superstar Ja Morant squashed any and all fears of a potential upper left leg injury with a massive performance on Saturday night. 

Before the marquee game against East No. 2 seed Chicago, Morant and Grizzlies' coach Taylor Jenkins said the issue was related to cramps, and the awkward step that forced a 5-minute absence Thursday night simply created some pain in his hip he had to work out. 

But Morant's play spoke louder than any denial could, as the 22-year-old scored a regular season career-high 46 points on 28 shots in a 116-110 win over the Bulls on Saturday, ending Memphis' 3-game losing streak. 

His performance featured 2 remarkable finishes at the rim, including a 360 spinning layup in the 2nd quarter and a ferocious alley-oop finish to close the 3rd quarter, landing firmly on both plays.

The ProBasketballDocs opined at the time of the non-contact play that the injury was more of a scare, and if he had any aftereffects, they would be limited to a minor strain in his hip and groin region. 

Jenkins said before the game that Morant received treatment yesterday and described the issue as tightness, but it did not appear to tighten his play.

The former No. 2 overall pick will lead the 42-20 Grizzlies against the Spurs on Monday.