Ja Morant highlight dunks, defense lead Memphis Grizzlies to preseason win vs. Pistons

Before the game, it was a family affair. Once the ball tipped off, all love was lost.

Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant went at Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey, son of of former Grizzlies assistant coach Niele Ivey. The No. 5 overall pick by the Pistons didn't shy away, using his Morant-like speed to go at the Grizzlies' star.

As Ivey dribbled left, Morant sat in a defensive stance, went though two screens and stretched his arms wide while getting back in front of Ivey. The rookie dribbled between his legs twice and rose up to shoot a 3-pointer. Morant blocked the shot with his right hand and took off the other way. Desmond Bane threw the pass ahead and Morant finished the easy dunk.

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A message was sent. Morant wasn't going to let Ivey, who often calls a little brother, get the best of him in their first matchup.

Morant's play set the tone as the Grizzlies jumped out to a quick start and defeated the Pistons 126-111.

Here are some takeaways from the game.

Another dress rehearsal

Two days after three starters topping 30 minutes, the Grizzlies sent out their same five players on Thursday. Ziaire Williams did not play in the second consecutive game, and that cleared the way for Jake LaRavia and David Roddy to play on the second unit. Starters didn't play in the fourth quarter, and that cleared the way for Kennedy Chandler, Vince Williams Jr. and others to get playing time. Junior Lofton did not play.

One last teaser from Ja Morant

If there was any question on if Morant is regular-season ready, that was answered on Thursday. Morant and Ivey looked like they were in a track as both players dashed up the floor when their teams were on offense.

After a solid 14-point first half, Morant had his best quarter of the preseason in the third. He threw an alley-oop pass to Brandon Clarke and had a transition dunk where he went behind the back to dodge the reaching Corey Joseph before the finish. That last play started after Morant forced a turnover. Morant said he wanted to focus on his defense in the offseason and the results have been noticeable. He's been one of the most active Grizzlies in creating turnovers and forcing tough shots. Morant finished Thursday with 31 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal.

Steven Adams leaves game

The biggest hiccup on Thursday came in the second quarter when Adams was injured while he and Joseph went after a loose ball. Joseph's lower back went into Adams' neck. Adams did not return in the second half after he was ruled out due to neck soreness. Clarke started the second half in his place. Adams finished with five points, eight rebounds and a flashy backdoor assist to a cutting Morant for a dunk.

Losing Adams would create more depth issues in the froncourt. Jaren Jackson Jr. is already out while recovering from a right foot procedure. Xavier Tillman Sr. would be the next center in the rotation after Clarke.

Next Up

The Grizzlies will come back to Memphis and prepare for the season opener against the New York Knicks on Wednesday. Playing most of the last two games gets the Grizzlies close to where they'll need to be from a conditioning standpoint. The Grizzlies will play three games in four days to start the season.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies, Ja Morant shine in preseason finale vs. Pistons