There was a telling stillness on the Memphis Grizzlies ’ bench Tuesday night, not the quiet of focus, but of disconnect. As the Grizzlies dropped yet another contest, falling to 3-6 on the season, Ja Morant’s body language was impossible to ignore. Shoulders slumped, eyes distant, and increasingly isolated from teammates and coaches, the tension inside FedExForum was unmistakable.

Morant, who finished with 17 points and 8 assists but shot poorly once again, has been visibly frustrated throughout the opening weeks of the season. His numbers reflect the strain: 20.0 points per game, but on just 38.3% shooting and 14% from three, all while averaging his lowest minutes (30.0) since his rookie year.

The Grizzlies, once fast-paced and joyful with Morant as the engine, now look hesitant, ri

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