Western Conference Recaps, March 26: Memphis Grizzlies' Ja Morant Scored 27 In His First Game Back In Starting Lineup

The Memphis Grizzlies used Ja Morant’s scoring to gain a 123-119 victory against the Atlanta Hawks. He scored 27 points in his first start since returning from a nine-game absence. Desmond Bane had 25 points and Jaren Jackson had 15. Trae Young recorded 28 points and 10 assists for the Hawks.

OTHER NOTES:

-With Jayson Tatum sidelined with a hip injury, Jaylen Brown came up big for the Boston Celtics.

He recorded 41 points and 13 rebounds in the Celtics’ 137-93 victory against the San Antonio Spurs. It was his third 40-point game of the season and third 40-point double-double of his career.

“When you get the opportunity to be the guy that everybody's kind of leaning on, it's a privilege, it's an honor,” Brown said. “I don't take those moments for granted. Every night, I strap my shoes up and I get my guys ready to go.”

Malcolm Brodgon led all reserves with 20 points and Derrick White had 19. Zach Collins scored 21 points for the Spurs while rookie Malaki Branham had 15.

-The Cleveland Cavaliers earned their first playoff berth since 2018 and the first without LeBron James. Jarrett Allen recorded 24 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Cavaliers to a 108-91 victory against the Houston Rockets. Donovan Mitchell had 22 points and Darius Garland scored 17.

Jalen Green led the Rockets with 30 points and Alperen Sengun had 14.

-The Oklahoma City Thunder took advantage of Damian Lillard’s absence. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 31 points, they grabbed a 118-112 victory against the Portland Trail Blazers. Rookie Shaedon Sharpe led the Trail Blazers with 29 points.

-Karl-Anthony Towns came through clutch again. He hit a late 3-pointer to help the Minnesota Timberwolves secure a 99-96 victory against the Golden State Warriors. He finished with 14 points while Naz Reid led the team with 23 points off the bench. After being sidelined three straight games with an ankle injury, Anthony Edwards scored 13 points.

Jordan Poole led the Warriors with 27 points off the bench and Stephen Curry had 20.

Cory Nelson is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson. You can also check out his personal blog HERE.