After losing by 51 in Game 1 — the fifth-largest defeat in playoff history — the Grizzlies looked better in Game 2 (not a high bar, to be fair), but ultimately still lost by 1

Morant has struggled through two games. He's averaged 20 points on 38.1% shooting. The Thunder have thrown all-world defenders like Lu Dort, Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace at him. And when he beats them to the basket, he has to meet Chet Holmgren or Isaiah Hartenstein at the rim.

Ja Morant recorded 22 points, nine assists, seven rebounds and three steals while playing on his sprained right ankle and the Memphis Grizzlies earned the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference playoffs with a convincing 120-106 victory over the visiting Dallas Mavericks in the play-in round on Friday.