In the realm of basketball fandom, the term “poster dunk” is often thrown around casually. Yet, not all dunks can truly be deemed as such; the distinction lies in the undeniable impact it leaves on viewers. A genuine poster dunk should leave no room for doubt. Personally, I adhere to the following criteria when evaluating such plays:
- Was the dunk executed cleanly, devoid of any ball-throwing theatrics akin to Blake Griffin’s style?
- Did the player soar over or through an opponent in a dominating fashion?
- Did the play elicit an immediate “holy shit” reaction upon witnessing it?
The recent events in Memphis have brought this discussion to the forefront.
Let’s first dissect Ja Morant’s explosive maneuver when matched up against Wemby near the block. The swift crossover to the left culminating in a lightning-quick dunk is nothing short of extraordinary. Ja’s ability to execute such moves effortlessly defines his prowess on the court. It’s moments like these that showcase his exceptional talent. The way he left Wemby trailing behind in a split second was simply elite.
Transitioning to the actual dunk itself, while Wemby attempted to challenge the shot, can it be classified as a poster dunk? The criteria mentioned above only partially align with this particular play. Although it was a contested dunk, it didn’t quite meet the threshold of dunking over Wemby, as he was somewhat positioned behind Ja when the elevation towards the rim occurred. While undoubtedly a remarkable play, it didn’t possess that jaw-dropping, life-altering quality typical of poster dunks.
The basketball community understandably erupted in excitement over this play, as witnessing someone like Wemby being posterized is a rare spectacle. Perhaps Anthony Davis’ dunk could be considered in a similar vein, though personally, I lean towards excluding it from that category.
Ja Morant stands out as a prime candidate to achieve such feats against Wemby. What made this play even more intriguing was Ja’s father’s reaction.
Amidst the widespread acclaim for Ja’s performance, his father’s grounded perspective was a refreshing take. Describing the play as a “hard layup” epitomizes realistic appraisal. While undeniably impressive, it didn’t quite meet the lofty standards set by Ja himself in terms of poster dunks. This level of candid feedback reflects a deep understanding of Ja’s capabilities, acknowledging that his repertoire boasts far more spectacular poster moments. Such genuine feedback is commendable.
The relatability of the press conference clip extends beyond the basketball realm. Many individuals, not just athletes, can empathize with the experience of basking in glory only to be humbly brought back to reality by loved ones. Ja’s father’s understated reaction likely stems from a profound understanding of his son’s true potential. There’s no need for exaggerated praise when Ja’s track record already speaks volumes. This dynamic resonates with anyone who has experienced the balancing act of euphoria and humility in moments of achievement.
On a different note, the Memphis Grizzlies have shown promise with a 4-2 record in games featuring Ja post his return. Positioned just 5.5 games behind the 10th seed in the competitive Western Conference, they have the potential to disrupt the current standings. With teams like the Lakers and Rockets facing uncertainties, Memphis could emerge as a formidable contender. While securing a playoff spot won’t be a walk in the park, their performance under Ja’s leadership hints at a compelling narrative unfolding. The road ahead may be challenging, but their trajectory thus far indicates a fighting chance.
To secure a playoff berth with a 42-40 record (similar to New Orleans last year), the Grizzlies need to maintain a winning pace of .650, mirroring their performance with Ja on the court this season. Although their remaining schedule is moderately challenging, featuring matchups against formidable opponents, their consistent performance suggests that this goal is within reach. Noteworthy matchups against MIN, MIL, OKC, DEN, and BOS will undoubtedly test their mettle in the coming games.
In essence, having Ja back on the court is a treat for basketball enthusiasts. His return serves as a reminder of his exceptional talent, especially after a 25-game suspension. The play against Wemby encapsulates the sheer brilliance Ja brings to every game, reaffirming his status as a must-watch player in the league.