Right before one of the biggest games of the Memphis Grizzlies’ season, Ja Morant gave fans a reminder of what really matters: family.
In a now-viral clip taken ahead of Friday night’s play-in showdown on April 18, against the Dallas Mavericks, the Memphis star shared a heartwarming moment with his 5-year-old daughter, Kaari Jaidyn Morant. From ankle scares to do-or-die playoff stakes, the vibes were tense, but Ja and Kaari lightened the mood in the most wholesome way possible.
Ja Morant’s Father-Daughter Hoop Session Steals the Spotlight
In the hours leading up to tip-off, Memphis fans were still unsure whether their star guard, Morant, would even suit up. After rolling his ankle during the third quarter of their Tuesday, April 15, play-in game against the Golden State Warriors, the Grizzlies listed the guard as questionable.
Morant eventually returned in the fourth but was visibly hobbled, finishing with just four points as the Grizzlies dropped a tight 121-116 battle.
But just before Friday’s win-or-go-home clash against Dallas, any concern took a backseat to pure joy. Cameras caught the star guard on the court with Kaari, engaging in a 1-on-1 game where the goal was simple: get the little hooper her bucket.
The video shows Ja lifting her up toward the hoop and guiding her hands as she makes the shot, erupting in a big smile while her dad celebrates the moment like it’s Game 7 of the Finals.
Ja and his daughter 🥹 pic.twitter.com/2IKXEsmjig
— NBA (@NBA)
It’s a refreshing sight in a league constantly driven by narratives of pressure, performance, and playoff stakes.
Grizzlies Need All the Good Vibes Heading Into Do-Or-Die vs. Mavs
The Grizzlies will take all the energy they can get right now. Friday’s game against the Mavericks is it — the last stop before the offseason or the beginning of a playoff journey against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. With Morant’s availability confirmed just 30 minutes before the tip, Memphis was counting on its floor general to shake off that ankle scare and get back to All-Star form.
Grizzlies are going strong in the game, but the Mavs are giving them a tough fight. As we approach the final score, this one has the potential of becoming a buzzer-beater. Morant is looking good, but Anthony Davis and the Mavs are surely giving him a run for his money.
Behind him, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. are expected to carry the bulk of the scoring, while rookie Zach Edey adds presence in the paint. But the intangible spark? That just might’ve come from a five-year-old with a crossover.
Whether Morant lights it up tonight or not, Kaari Jaidyn has already helped win one battle — the hearts of fans everywhere.
