Ja Morant is renowned for his explosive athleticism and gravity-defying plays on the court. At just 25, he has built a highlight reel of jaw-dropping dunks that rival some of the greatest dunkers in NBA history.
Throughout his career, he has thrown down over countless defenders, but his most notable attempt this season came when he soared over San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama. Though the dunk didn’t count, it remains one of the most impressive moments of the year.
However, on Sunday night, Morant experienced what it’s like to be on the receiving end of a poster dunk. During the Memphis Grizzlies’ matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, he found himself the victim of a powerful slam by Jarrett Allen.
While most players might react with embarrassment after getting dunked on, Morant had a different approach. Instead of shying away, he embraced the moment—wrapping Allen in a hug and flashing a wide smile.
The and-one dunk extended Cleveland’s lead to 118-109 with 2:54 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Cavaliers went on to secure a 129-123 victory, maintaining the NBA’s best record at 47-10, while the Grizzlies dropped to 37-20, matching the Denver Nuggets.
Despite the loss—and the dunk—Morant remained in good spirits. He and the Grizzlies will aim to bounce back in their next game against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night.
Cavs hold off Grizzlies for 7th straight NBA success
Donovan Mitchell delivered a standout performance with 33 points, while fellow All-Star Evan Mobley contributed 25 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists to lead the NBA-best Cleveland Cavaliers to a 129-123 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.
Ty Jerome provided a crucial spark, scoring 15 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter as the Cavaliers extended their league-best winning streak to seven games, improving to 47-10.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies (37-20), currently second in the Western Conference, suffered their third loss in four games. Jaren Jackson Jr. recorded 22 points, Ja Morant finished with 21 points and 10 assists, and Luke Kennard added 19 points off the bench.
Out West, Oklahoma City maintained its dominance with a hard-fought 130-123 win over Minnesota. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was instrumental, posting 37 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, and three steals. Chet Holmgren added 19 points as the Thunder (46-10) shot a season-best 54% (19-for-35) from beyond the arc.
Gilgeous-Alexander re-entered the game with eight minutes left and ignited an 18-4 run over the next five minutes, shifting momentum after his cousin, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, briefly put the Timberwolves ahead 110-105. The Thunder have now lost just once in the past 25 days.
Minnesota, playing short-handed, fought back from a 19-point second-quarter deficit but ultimately fell for the fourth time in five games. Anthony Edwards led the T’wolves (31-27) with 29 points and 10 rebounds.
Earlier in the day, Jayson Tatum guided Boston to a 118-105 win over New York, tallying 25 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. Jaylen Brown contributed 24 points and eight boards, while Derrick White chipped in 19 points as the Celtics (41-16) strengthened their hold on second place in the East with a fifth straight victory.
In Atlanta, Cade Cunningham exploded for 38 points, 12 assists, and seven rebounds to propel the Detroit Pistons to a 148-143 win over the Hawks, extending their season-best winning streak to six games.
Trae Young matched Cunningham with 38 points and dished out 13 assists, but Atlanta dropped its third straight contest. Despite Young’s efforts, he faced persistent defensive pressure from Dyson Daniels, a Defensive Player of the Year candidate who recorded four steals, bringing his league-leading total to 156 for the season. Daniels also contributed 24 points, five rebounds, and six assists.
Elsewhere, Ben Simmons had eight points, three rebounds, four assists, and two steals in the Clippers’ 129-111 loss to Indiana. Other winners on the night included New Orleans, Toronto, Orlando, Milwaukee, and Golden State.
