There was plenty of excited anticipation for the first meeting between Morant’s Memphis Grizzlies and Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs. The two players produced a crowd-pleasing show during the Grizzlies’ 106-98 win Tuesday night.
Wembanyama, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA draft, got the fireworks started by blocking Morant’s shot after he drove to the basket early in the game. Morant tried a crossover dribble to lose Wembanyama at the free throw line, but the rookie sensation recovered quickly and using his length, rejected the shot.
Morant got his revenge in the fourth quarter. Morant used a screen from Bismarck Biyombo, forcing Wembanyama to switch on defense and guard Morant on the perimeter. Morant used another crossover dribble, faked to his right and went left. The move froze Wembanyama just enough for Morant to explode to the basket and throw down a two-handed jam with Wembanyama attempting to block his shot.
“The moment was just like any other moment for me when somebody is guarding me,” Morant told reporters after the game. “I don’t try to dunk on people like I used to. Just get a bucket. Find a way.”
Morant finished with 26 points and 10 assists. Wembanyama, the NBA’s leading shot blocker, led the Spurs with 20 points, seven rebounds and four blocks.
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