Morant Snatches The Torch As Grizzlies Spoil Conley’s Return

The Memphis Grizzlies celebrated the return of the franchise’s leading scorer, assists, and steals leader, plus their long time ‘Conductor’ in Mike Conley on Friday night but Ja Morant had to remind everyone that the train is in very good hands. VERY good hands.

Mike Conley is easily one of my favorite Grizzlies of all time. If it weren’t for one ‘Fitty For Da City’ Zach Randolph, he’d be my number one. Mike is a rare case for the Grizzlies organization. The one and only player that was drafted by the organization that ended up not only panning out, but that actually turned into one of the franchises great players.

As a fan in my mid-twenties, I recall the then 19 year old with a squeaky-clean look and reputation who came into the league being compared to TJ Ford and Tony Parker. He overcame criticism and had a career progression that is rare in the NBA after such a slow start.

We watched Mike Conley literally grow from a boy to a man over the years. The once quiet and reserved young guard with a low haircut and little to no facial hair, now rocks his patented dreadlocks and full beast of a beard.

I spoke to Conley early Friday afternoon before the game and told him that as someone that was a fan of Memphis’ NBA team way before one arrived here, and someone who has been a fan of the team for much longer than I’ve covered them as a media member - that it wasn’t easy to see him standing there. He laughed and admitted that it’s hard and emotional on him as well. Conley would later express those emotions as his tribute video was played during the first time out of the game on Friday night.

But enough of the mushy stuff...

The Grizzlies provided a thriller for the home crowd in their 107-106 victory over Conley's Jazz Friday night in a way where Ja Morant didn't sit back patiently as Conley passed the torch to him. Morant snatched it - and ran with it. He then used it to light the way to the Next Generation of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Morant who finished the game with 25 points, 8 assists and a handful of ridiculous highlight plays. Morant received praise from Conley on his performance as well as his acknowledgment that the franchise is in good hands.

“He’s quick, he’s athletic, he’s very poised and he makes big plays," said Conley on Morant. "We got to see it all tonight. I thought he did a great job. We competed, we threw guys at him and I thought he made plays. He’s special. He’s got the poise of a seasoned vet and that’s not normal. He can really be something really good in this league if he continues to take the game seriously like he has been. It will be fun to see where he goes.”

Morant showed his mutual respect for Conley after the game while also reminding everyone that regardless of the legacy and love for Conley that night - he still has the task of creating and maintaining is own legacy.

When asked does he anticipate getting a reception one day from the fans in Memphis like Conley received, he responded confidently yet with the utmost respect.

“They show that support for me already," said Morant. "I mean, obviously it’s different with him. He’s a legend here, but I appreciate Mike.

Memphis Head Coach Taylor Jenkins spoke on Morant's humbe confidence and Morant would co-sign his coach's opinion.

“I’m humble but confident at the same time" said Morant. "I won’t speak too much on myself, but I do believe in myself. I feel like if you don’t believe in yourself, then who will?”

Morant definitely put on a show against the man that he was drafted to replace. Conley had a disappointing effort, by comparison, scoring 15 points on 5 of 19 shooting on top of losing in his return. Ja has a unique combination of athleticism, ball-handling, and high basketball IQ that even with his career being new, it is already evident that Morant is not only ahead of schedule as far as where Conley was at the same age, but might also be on pace to be a much better player than Conley overall very soon.

Friday was Mike Conley's night but the game belonged to Mr. Morant who would also speak about his mentality in fourth quarters.

“Kill. Simple as that," said Morant. "Just attack downhill and just try to go finish a play.”

Morant did just that against the Jazz - kill. He was an equal opportunity killer at that. Killing all opponents - (including Grizz legends) and snatching the torch of the franchise. He was respectfully disrespectful on the court last night and, sorry Mike Conley, but it was a pleasure to witness.