Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies liked where they were standing when the NBA was closed in March.
Now with the NBA restart, Morant says he believes it is unfair that the filler the Grizzlies built between themselves and the closest playoff contenders in the West could be irrelevant.
“But, you know, we can’t control that,” Morant said in an interview on ESPN’s The Jump that aired on Thursday. “The only thing we can control is how, you know, we went out there and attacked each of these games before we made that decision.”
The Grizzlies are currently the 8 seed and have a 3½ game lead on three teams. But in the NBA bubble format, Memphis would have to be 4½ games ahead when the initial eight games are completed to avoid a game or games to determine the eighth and final playoff team.
“I feel like it’s an extra chip,” said Morant, when asked if the format could provide the Grizzlies with a chip on their shoulder. “You know, more fuel for the fire, more motivation for us.”
Three of the Grizzlies’ eight games will be against the other Western teams battling for the final playoff spot starting Friday, when Memphis faces the Portland Trail Blazers, which are 3½ games back. The Grizzlies play the Pelicans on Monday. The Kings are also 3½ games behind Memphis.
On Sunday Memphis plays the Spurs, which are four games behind.
The Grizzlies had 17 games to play when the season closed on March 11.
“As we entered the season, I think we were projected to be 29th, and look at us now,” Morant said in The Jump. “So we just use that as fuel, we keep working. We are all very hungry. We know what we are capable of. Just go out and play.”
Morant will benefit from another adjustment that the NBA has made for his restart, which begins Thursday. Earlier this month, the league said the initial eight games would not count towards the postseason awards, essentially ending the award campaigns, including rookie of the year, that Morant had been a resounding favorite to beat the Zion Williamson of the Pelicans. , who missed a lot of the season after undergoing knee surgery.
“It definitely feels good,” said Morant. “As of right now, I can’t say that’s my main focus. You know, I have some games to play, trying to make the playoffs. But right where I came from, what I’ve done to get here, the things that happened, definitely an honor. I’m blessed. “
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