Rip City Project
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A closer look into how the Portland Trail Blazers contained Ja Morant

By Marlow Ferguson Jr.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - JULY 31: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies dribbles during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on July 31, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, 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. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - JULY 31: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies dribbles during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on July 31, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, 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. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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Portland Trail Blazers
Portland Trail Blazers, Memphis Grizzlies, jump ball (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Locating Morant in the open floor

Following the game, Taylor Jenkins made an interesting point on how the Blazers cooperated in taking away arguably Memphis’ greatest strength — fast break scoring.

"“We’re best when we can get our stops and can get out and run, and when they’re just laying it in the basket, or shooting a bunch of free throws in the first half, it really slows us down. We pride ourselves on being able to be aggressive and disciplined, and protecting the paint, and to get out and run. And we weren’t able to do that in the first half.”"

And there’s legitimacy to that; only three teams in the NBA generate more points out of the fast break than Memphis (17.9). And given the Blazers’ No. 26-ranked transition defense, something had to give in the biggest game of the season to this point.

The Blazers quickly diagnosed the smoke, and subsequently prevented the fire. Memphis surpassed its quota; they found their way into 20 fast break points. But, early on, the blueprint was there. Portland was disciplined on defense in transition, allowing just four points in the first half.

Portland fans across the world sacrificed sleep over this very thought. In those Nurkić / Whiteside lineups, we wondered to what extent the Blazers would be vulnerable in the open floor and on the perimeter. The first returns give reason for optimism.

Morant’s opening shot comes to mind. The Grizzlies found themselves in a 2-on-1, with Dillon Brooks and Ja Morant, and Carmelo Anthony on the backpedal. Despite not putting his arms up at any point in that defensive possession, Anthony was assured of who the focus was. He was able to offer enough resistance to force a miss, and that play sort of set the tone for them.

Morant ranks in the 53rd percentile in transition points, which suggests he’s still in the infancy stages of where he will be. Even so, he’s among the elite. Until that third quarter, though, they forced Morant to work his offensive excellence in half-court sets. And if this is indeed the No. 8 vs. No. 9 seeding game, how this develops could make all the difference.