Tyus Jones said it was challenging for the Grizzlies to focus on basketball after what happened at the U.S. Capitol the day before.

While recovering from his ankle injury, Ja Morant has purposely asked to sit close to the floor so he can bring the energy off the bench to his teammates. 

The Grizzlies had no answers in the second half for James, though the bench had another encouraging performance.

Weighing three factors, who ends up being the No. 1 Grizzlies player in 20 seasons in Memphis?

The veteran guard has played in 272 NBA games since 2014, and is averaging five points and four assists for his career. 

The Grizzlies are finding ways to be competitive without Ja Morant, and it starts with efficient play from Tyus Jones. 

Jan. 1, 2021: Grizzlies def. Hornets in Charlotte, 108-93.

The four-man bench came up big, with every available Memphis player on the court for at least 19 minutes.

The Grizzlies point guard is popping up all over town, whether at the zoo or the Edge District. His growing superstardom is making him a collectible value, too.

The team could have the shooting guard Grayson Allen in the starting lineup Friday despite leaving Wednesday’s game with an ankle sprain. 

Consider the damage: Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Justise Winslow, Xavier Tillman, De’Anthony Melton and Grayson Allen are all out, either with injuries or due to safety protocols.

One of the league’s elite, the Celtics dominated, and the Grizzlies’ injury report expanded to include Grayson Allen.

The Grizzlies are now without three starters as the regular season ramps up. 

Regardless of how long the point guard is out because of his ankle injury, the season is not lost.

When the guard left the court in a wheelchair Monday night, Grizzlies fans reacted with all the horror you’d expect.

Brandon Clarke played the hero with the go-ahead basket in overtime, and Kyle Anderson had another impressive game.

Related story: Calkins: Ja Morant in a wheelchair? NOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Related story: Ja Morant leaves Grizzlies game in wheelchair after turning ankle

Related story: Twitter reacts to Ja’s injury

Ja Morant left the Grizzlies game in a wheelchair with a sprained ankle. The tweets say it all.

Ja Morant was unable to put weight on his left ankle after landing awkwardly in the second quarter Monday night. 

Perception indeed might be reality when it comes to the Grizzlies’ attacking point guard and whether he gets the calls.

Don’t stress about 0-2. Just enjoy Ja Morant’s magic as we await the return of Jaren Jackson Jr. and for the Memphis Grizzlies bench to step up.