Ja Morant stats tonight: How did Grizzlies star fare vs Kevin Durant-led Suns? (March 10)

Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies looked to extend their winning streak to three games as they hosted Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns on Monday. This Western Conference showdown carried major stakes, with the Grizzlies fighting to secure home-court advantage in the playoffs while the Suns aimed to lock in a play-in spot.

Morant delivered in the clutch, sealing the game with a dagger to cap off his stellar 29-point, 12-rebound performance. Cam Spencer contributed 16 points off the bench, while GG Jackson and Jay Huff each added 14. Scotty Pippen Jr. and Lamar Stevens chipped in 13 points apiece, helping guide the Grizzlies to victory.

Morant set the tone early for Memphis, dishing out an assist and scoring four points to account for the team’s first six points. However, Phoenix took control of the first quarter, leading by as much as 16 before closing it out with a 34-26 advantage.

By halftime, Morant had upped his total to 13 points, going a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line, as the Grizzlies cut the Suns’ lead down to just two, 59-57. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant led the way for Phoenix with 20 first-half points.

Morant opened the third quarter by assisting on two Grizzlies 3-pointers before converting a reverse layup to put Memphis ahead 65-64. His scoring and playmaking sparked a 7-3 run that extended the Grizzlies’ lead to 88-79.

As the Suns made a late push in the fourth, Morant responded with six straight points for Memphis, including a floater that proved to be the dagger, sealing a 118-113 victory.

The Grizzlies nearly gave up a crucial possession down the stretch, leading to a 3-point attempt from Durant, but he missed.

Below are Ja Morant’s full stats.

PLAYER	MIN	PTS	REB	AST	FGM	FGA	FG%	3PM	3PA	3P%	FTM	FTA	FT%	OREB	DREB	STL	BLK	TO	PF	=+/-
Ja Morant	33:49	29	4	12	9	13	69.2	1	5	20.0	10	10	100	1	3	1	0	5	3	15

Kevin Durant and Devin Booker led the Suns with 35 and 26 points, respectively.

Kendrick Perkins challenges Ja Morant to be ‘the guy’ for the Grizzlies

Jaren Jackson Jr. has been the Grizzlies' best player this season, standing out even while sidelined with an ankle injury. He has outshined Ja Morant throughout the year.

According to Kendrick Perkins late last month, Morant must take on the No. 1 role if Memphis hopes to contend for a championship.

“If you're trying to be a legit title contender, if you're trying to matchup with Denver, trying to go toe-to-toe with Oklahoma City, Jaren Jackson Jr. can't be your best player in a seven-game series," Perkins said. "Ja Morant needs to be that guy."

"Ja Morant, honestly, hasn't been that guy all season long. One could argue that Austin Reaves, and I say this respectively, Austin Reaves has had more of a productive season this year than Ja Morant. If you don't believe me, go look at the numbers."

Morant has appeared in just 41 games this season, averaging 21.7 points, 7.5 assists and 4.0 rebounds.