x.com/5VBZER0/status/2110865966251085905
1 correction found
Ja couldn't even average more points next to JJJ and Desmond bane than dame with giannis
This points-per-game comparison is backwards. Ja Morant averaged 27.4 PPG in 2021-22 and 26.2 PPG in 2022-23 with Memphis' Morant/Bane/Jaren Jackson Jr. core, while Damian Lillard averaged 24.3 and 24.9 PPG in his two Milwaukee seasons with Giannis.
Full reasoning
Official NBA sources contradict the claim.
- In an NBA.com season preview for Memphis, the Grizzlies' projected core included Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr., and it says Morant was coming off a 27.4 ppg season.
- NBA.com also says Morant averaged 26.2 points per game in 2022-23.
- By comparison, NBA.com says Damian Lillard averaged 24.3 ppg in 2023-24 in his first season with Milwaukee next to Giannis, and 24.9 ppg in 2024-25 for Milwaukee.
So Morant did average more points than Lillard's Bucks/Giannis scoring average during Memphis seasons in which Morant was playing with Bane and Jackson. That makes the post's statistical claim incorrect.
4 sources
- 2022-23 Season Preview: Memphis Grizzlies | NBA.com
Desmond Bane and Ja Morant make up a dangerous backcourt in Memphis... PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: Ja Morant ... Desmond Bane ... Jaren Jackson Jr. ... Ja Morant: After posting career stats (27.4 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 6.7 apg)...
- Ja Morant suspended 25 games by NBA | NBA.com
Morant averaged 26.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 8.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game in 61 games in 2022-23.
- Damian Lillard | Guard | Portland Trail Blazers | NBA.com
2023-24 (Milwaukee Bucks): In his first season with the Bucks, played and started 73 games and averaged 24.3 points...
- Bucks waive All-Star guard Damian Lillard | NBA.com
Damian Lillard averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists per game for Milwaukee in 2024-25.