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This is Defector, a new sports blog and media company. We made this place together, we own it together, we run it together. Without access, without favor, without discretion, and without interference.

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Defector

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Ray Ratto

of the Memphis Grizzlies walks off the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half of Game Three of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2025.

Oklahoma City Thunder v Memphis Grizzlies – Game Three

For 20 Minutes, The Memphis Grizzlies Were Actually In It

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Patrick Redford

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 15: Zach Edey #14 of the Memphis Grizzlies unsuccessfully goes up for a dunk on Quinten Post #21 of the Golden State Warriors in the first half of the NBA play-in tournament game at Chase Center on April 15, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

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Zach Edey Is A Force

Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a basket against the Memphis Grizzlies in the second half of the NBA play-in tournament game at Chase Center on April 15, 2025.

Memphis Grizzlies v Golden State Warriors – Play-In Tournament

The Warriors Really Had To Work For It

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Tom Ley

Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at FedExForum on April 10, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee.

Minnesota Timberwolves v Memphis Grizzlies

Ja Morant Is Doing A New Thing, And That Thing Is Grenade

James Harden shoots against Kai Jones of the Dallas Mavericks during the second half of a game in April 5, 2025 in Inglewood, California.

Dallas Mavericks v Los Angeles Clippers

The Western Conference Is Heading Into A Week Of Glorious Chaos

Ja Morant (R #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts with teammate Scotty Pippen Jr. #1 during the third quarter against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on April 03, 2025 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Memphis Grizzlies v Miami Heat

Ja Morant Will Not Stop Doing His Little Gun Thing

looks on during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies on April 1, 2025. His mouthpiece is hanging out of his mouth and he looks faintly sinister in how delighted he seems.

Golden State Warriors v Memphis Grizzlies

Steph Curry Went Off, Again

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 17: Head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies Taylor Jenkins looks on from the bench during the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on March 17, 2025 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

Memphis Grizzlies v Sacramento Kings

Out Of Nowhere, Memphis Grizzlies Fire Coach Taylor Jenkins

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 02: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands next to Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter in game one of the Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs at Chase Center on May 02, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Los Angeles Lakers v Golden State Warriors – Game One

Everyone Thinks They Have A Shot

<p>Staff Writer</p>
<p>Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.09</p>


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Chris Thompson

Jaren Jackson Jr. And The Memphis Grizzlies Are Leveling Up

SAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 15: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies tries to dunk over Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs in the second half at Frost Bank Center on January 15, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)

Memphis Grizzlies v San Antonio Spurs

Ja Morant Summited Mount Wembanyama

MEMPHIS, TN - JANUARY 29: Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings looks for a rebound during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on January 29, 2024 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

Sacramento Kings v Memphis Grizzlies

An Ode To The Modern Rebounder

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Giri Nathan

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Ja Morant Is Done For The Season, And So Are The Grizzlies

Ja Morant of the Grizzlies scores the game-winning basket against the Pelicans

Memphis Grizzlies v New Orleans Pelicans

Ja Morant Returns, Lifts Grizzlies From Muck

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Maitreyi Anantharaman

Ja Morant demonstrates check ball situation for his attorney.

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“Is A Basketball A Lethal Weapon?” And “Is Pulling Up Your Shorts A Fighting Stance?” Among Stupid Questions At Issue In Ja Morant Hearing

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David Roth

Ja Morant reacts to a call during the Grizzlies first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 26, 2023.

Los Angeles Lakers v Memphis Grizzlies – Game Five

Grizzlies Suspend Ja Morant After He Plays With A Handgun On Instagram Live Again

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Samer Kalaf

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The Grizzlies Are Done With Dillon Brooks

Dillon Brooks does a pre-game jump-kick.

Eating Some Shit Might Be Just What The Grizzlies Need

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Israel Daramola

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - APRIL 19: Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of Game Two of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at FedExForum on April 16, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. at FedExForum on April 19, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee.

Los Angeles Lakers v Memphis Grizzlies – Game Two

Dillon Brooks’s Wings Have Melted

LeBron James celebrates after scoring the decisive overtime basket.

LeBron James Sure Knows How To Pick His Spots

A Surreal, Chum-Choked Plunge Through Ja Morant’s Countersuit Against A Teen Boy

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Report: Memphis Cops Dragged Their Feet On Investigating Ja Morant’s Altercations

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 18: Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the game against the Golden State Warriors at FedExForum on March 18, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

Everyone Hates Dillon Brooks

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 18: Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks at Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of the game at FedExForum on March 18, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

The Warriors Just Can’t Get Right On The Road

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Suddenly, Everybody’s Ready For Ja Morant To Get Back On The Court

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