The Grizzlies didn’t have Ja Morant against the Lakers Wednesday. But they had John Konchar. And Xavier Tillman Sr. And a roster of players who did not wish to go quietly into the good night. So now, through sheer force of will, the series is tied at 1-1. 

Will Ja Morant play in Game 2? That’s the mystery of the moment. But however it turns out, there is fresh reason for hope.

The Grizzlies lost the game and they lost Ja Morant. On a no good, very bad day at FedExForum.

There was a growl towel on every seat in FedExForum Saturday. Which means it is that time in Memphis, once again. “It never gets old, man,” said Jaren Jackson Jr. “It’s still hype every single time.”

Ja Morant filed a countersuit against Joshua Holloway. Which is certainly his legal right. But if he wants his reputation, he doesn’t need more lawyers. He just needs to beat LeBron James.

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Herrington: The Lakers bring bigger stars to this series, the Grizzlies meet them with more

Dillon Brooks said he “wouldn’t mind” playing LeBron James in a seven-game series. Well, duh. The Grizzlies have a chance to bounce James from the playoffs and redefine themselves in the process. Who wouldn’t mind doing that?

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NBA releases Grizzlies vs. Lakers series schedule

The Lakers host the Timberwolves Tuesday for the right to meet the Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs. I think I speak for Grizzlies fans everywhere when I say: “Go T-Wolves!”

Is it a scandal that law enforcement officials didn’t throw themselves into investigating a superstar basketball player whose behavior was plainly over the line? No. It would have been unusual if they had.

Anne Boyd celebrated her 90th birthday with her first Grizzlies game at FedExForum. That says a lot about her. And a lot about what the Grizzlies have come to mean to this city over the past 22 years. 

The Grizzlies set a franchise record by winning their 33rd home game Tuesday. Not bad for a team that was supposed to be in disarray not long ago. How did they do it? “This is the closest team I’ve ever been a part of,” said Desmond Bane.

Florida Atlantic University is in the Final Four. This has caused Memphis fans to feel all sorts of things — including deep pain. Is it rational? Of course not. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t real.

Ja Morant’s family wore hoodies that said, “Redemption.” But Morant said he just wants a second chance. That began Wednesday at FedExForum against the Houston Rockets. It was a sweet — and emotional — night. 

Ja Morant may be back — but he’s not exactly himself. Given everything that has happened in his life lately, isn’t that a good thing?

This could be a tough week for Memphis basketball fans. So we gathered some suggestions about how to make it through. They include denial, chocolate, the Tigers women’s team and looking on the bright side.

The Memphis Tigers had it all in their grasp. The win, the celebration, maybe even a trip to the Sweet 16. Instead, they lost to Florida Atlantic Friday. And now they are headed home.

Penny Hardaway took the job at Memphis with the promise that he’d deliver titles. Sunday, The Tigers knocked off No. 1 Houston to win the AAC Tournament. They’re not done for the season. The NCAAs await. But after five years, Hardaway delivered on his promise. And it was glorious.

DeAndre Williams threw down a dunk that summed up the Memphis Tigers play on Saturday. They’re not letting anyone stop them. After routing Tulane, they’ll play Houston Sunday for the AAC Championship.

Kendric Davis and DeAndre Williams each scored more than 30 points in leading Memphis over UCF Friday. That’s the first time two Memphis players have scored 30 or more in the same game in over 52 years.

The Grizzlies smashed the Golden State Warriors Thursday and then got a message from their missing leader, Ja Morant. It doesn’t mean that all is well with the franchise. But a hard day ended in hope. 

It was a magnificent day for Memphis basketball. Right up until Houston hit the winning shot. On a day when Tiger basketball conjured that magical feeling once again. 

It’s easy to be skeptical about Ja Morant’s statement of apology. But it represents an important first. He never before has accepted responsibility for his actions. Now maybe there’s a shot he will change. 

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Calkins: It’s time to put down the gun, Ja. And to put down the act.

Ja Morant apologizes for gun video amid NBA inquiry

Nike produced a Ja Morant shoe because he is “a real leader” for “the NBA, for basketball and for the city of Memphis.” Morant’s latest Instagram live video makes a mockery of those words. It is time for Morant to put down the gun and put down the tough-guy act. Here’s hoping he realizes that, at long last. 

The best thing about Sunday’s epic matchup between the Memphis Tigers and No. 1 Houston? It was earned.