MEMPHIS — Ja Morant pulled up for a floater within the fourth quarter, glared on the Knicks bench, tapped his wrist and repeated, “It’s about that time.”
That was earlier within the fourth quarter, and Morant’s time prolonged nicely past. He dominated the Knicks within the season opener Wednesday, bringing out his bag of athleticism, wizardry and showmanship to the 115-112 OT victory.
The Knicks had the deeper squad and almost accomplished a formidable comeback, with back-to-back heroic moments from Cam Reddish and Jalen Brunson to finish regulation. But Morant carried the evening as RJ Barrett struggled.
There was Morant’s behind-the-back same-hand dribble right into a no-look help in the course of the second quarter. Then he completed an up-and-under cradled and-1 lay-up. He flew by way of the air for a two-hand block off the glass in OT. Morant was a sorcerer with the ball and the Knicks have been the viewers to his 34 factors and 9 assists.
Still, the guests put up a struggle and capped regulation with dramatics. After trailing for many of the contest, Reddish, who was a shock addition to the rotation earlier than the sport, transformed a game-tying nook 3-pointer off Brunson’s dish with three seconds remaining. Morant then almost gained the sport on Memphis’ subsequent possession whereas hovering into the lane, however Brunson bought there first and drew a clutch cost.
Overtime turned after simply 24 seconds when Julius Randle was fouled out. He was robust with 24 factors, 11 rebounds and 6 assists, however may solely watch the tip as teammate Evan Fournier missed a possible tying 3-pointer on the buzzer.
Reddish was an offensive revelation for the Knicks because the alternative to the injured Quentin Grimes. He scored 22 factors in simply 28 minutes.
But Barrett was an inefficient mess whereas lacking 15 of his 18 pictures (together with 0-for-6 from past the arc). Barrett had mentioned he’s motivated by the circumstances of taking part in towards Morant, the participant picked one spot above him in 2019. If something, Wednesday evening simply reiterated the draft order.
The Grizzlies entered the season shorthanded, competing Wednesday with out the injured Jaren Jackson Jr., Danny Green, Dillon Brooks and Ziaire Williams. One of their higher gamers, Desmond Bane, appeared to harm his leg within the second half. They’re among the many contenders within the Western Conference after successful 56 video games final season however didn’t add a lot to the roster and misplaced Jackson Jr. for an prolonged time following foot surgical procedure.
The Knicks, then again, have been solely lacking Grimes. They have been additionally coming off an encouraging 3-1 preseason that teased the excessive potential of a beginning lineup with Brunson operating the present.
But they warned the common season was a special animal, a special strain and depth. They additionally didn’t must play towards Morant till Wednesday. That was the largest distinction.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com