Passing the torch: A.I. endorses Morant for NBA MVP
Stephen A. Smith breaks down why Ja Morant reminds him of Allen Iverson. (1:16)
Allen Iverson, who was an elite scorer during his days in the NBA, is now admiring another young bucket-getter.
Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant scored a career-high 52 points Monday against the San Antonio Spurs. He shot 22-of-30 from the field to help the Grizzlies beat the Spurs 118-105.
Iverson, who won NBA MVP in 2001 while leading the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals, posted a picture of Morant’s Grizzlies jersey hanging on the trophy.
pass the torch OG 🔥 https://t.co/xt6FSayiqY pic.twitter.com/8tdRSsaVe3
The Grizzlies star responded to the 11-time All-Star with a photo illustration of the two side-by-side on the court together.
Morant’s performance was the first 50-point game in Grizzlies franchise history. It broke the single-game record he set on Saturday (46 points) against the Chicago Bulls.
At 43-20, the Grizzlies are No. 3 in the Western Conference. Morant is averaging 27.6 PPG — which ranks seventh in the league — in addition to 5.9 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game. He was named to his first NBA All-Star Game as a starter in January.