Atlanta Hawks: 3 Challenges the Grizzlies present in preseason
The Atlanta Hawks will have to contain Ja Morant in their matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies
It’s no secret that the Atlanta Hawks, and any other team that faces the Memphis Grizzlies really, will have Ja Morant’s name circled on their scouting reports. The NBA Rookie of the Year averaged 17.8 points per game last season on .477/.335/.776 shooting splits.
While he’s not the biggest threat from beyond the arc, Morant went 4 for 4 from three in one of his matchups against the Hawks last year. He went 8 for 12 and 6 for 10 from the field in the two games, feasting on the Hawk’s poor defense both in the paint and on the perimeter. Being matched up with one of the worst defenders in the league statistically in Trae Young, Ja Morant got to the bucket with ease against the Hawks and will surely attempt to do it again this week.
The battle of the two young point guards will be one to watch as both Trae Young and Morant can fill it up when they get going. Young is a more prolific scorer than Morant but is smaller and slower than the explosive Memphis point guard. It’ll be interesting to see what kind of looks Lloyd Pierce throws at Morant defensively in hopes of getting the ball out of his hand and forcing the Memphis wings to create their own shots.
Next. Atlanta Hawks: Leaders in off-court moves. dark
The Hawks and Grizzlies tip-off for the first time tonight at 8:00 pm from the FedEx Forum in Memphis.