The Memphis Grizzlies have started the season 2-9 without Ja Morant, who is suspended for the first 25 games. Newcomer Marcus Smart, acquired from the Boston Celtics, is doing his best to lead the team while Morant is out.
“Control what you can control,” Smart told Mark Medina of Sportskeeda. “Coming in, we knew we would be at a little bit of a disadvantage. Then things started spiraling for us. That’s life. It’s never going to be perfect. Things happen. You just have to figure it out and find a way. For us, there are going to be ups and there are going to be downs. We can’t get too high and we can’t get too low on them. So we control what we can control – that’s coming in here every day and working with what we’ve got.”
The Grizzlies’ two wins have come against the Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Clippers. Smart is averaging 12.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists on the season while shooting 42.9% from the field, 29.5% from beyond the arc and 81.0% from the free-throw line.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Marcus Smart, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
“It’s been hard, especially when you’re not used to losing and with this team,” Smart said. “Last year, they were the No. 2 seed and were used to winning. There weren’t many games that they lost. So it’s about understanding that it’s okay that you’re losing and that you can still have fun and be happy. Things are going to be okay. For this team, it’s huge to be able to have fun and play even when things aren’t going well. When we have the right mindset, things starts to go right.”
The Grizzlies are playing without Morant, Steven Adams, Brandon Clarke and Derrick Rose. To make matters worse, Smart injured his ankle against the Los Angeles Lakers last night.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Marcus Smart, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
It’s unknown how long Smart will be out for.
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