Ja Morant showed exactly why he’s considered one of the toughest and most passionate players in the NBA during the Grizzlies’ recent game against the Dallas Mavericks. Despite nursing a nagging ankle injury that had cast doubt over his availability, Morant suited up and hit the court, determined to help his team in any way he could. His willingness to play through visible discomfort spoke volumes about his dedication to his teammates, the fans, and the game itself.
Throughout the matchup, Morant was clearly not at full strength. Yet, he still played with his usual explosive energy—diving for loose balls, attacking the rim, and pushing the pace like only he can. Every cut, sprint, and leap seemed to take extra effort, but Morant refused to slow down. His resilience inspired the rest of the squad, and his presence alone elevated Memphis’ competitive spirit.
At several points, fans held their breath as Morant appeared to grimace or limp after hard landings, but each time he shook it off and kept going. It was the kind of performance that reminded everyone what leadership really looks like—not just putting up numbers, but stepping up even when your own body is telling you to sit out.
While questions remain about how the injury might affect him moving forward, there’s no doubt Morant earned even more respect across the league. Playing through pain isn’t easy, especially at the highest level, but Morant showed that his heart and fight are just as strong as his talent.
