Memphis, Tenn. - The NBA announced today that Memphis Grizzlies guard Jay Morant was named the NBA Western Conference Player of the Week for games played from Monday, January 3 to Sunday, January 9. Morant is the first player in franchise history and the only NBA player this season to receive consecutive Player of the Week awards after earning his first career weekly honor last week (December 27–January 2).
Morant helped lead Memphis to week 5–0, averaging 25.0 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists, while shooting 51.4% (37–72 FG) from the field in 30.8 minutes. The Grizzlies have won nine games in a row, the longest single-season winning streak in franchise history, and 19 of their last 23 games overall. Four of Memphis' five wins this week came on the road against teams qualifying for an NBA playoff or play-in tournament.
The 22-year-old started the week with 36 points in a 118-104 win over Brooklyn on January 3, setting a franchise record with his fourth straight 30-point performance. The next night, he scored six of his 26 points, including a go-forward basket, and recorded a crucial steal in the final 30 seconds of a 110–106 road win in Cleveland. After recording 22 points in a 118–88 home win over Detroit on January 6, Morant ended the week by posting 16 points, seven assists and a highlight-reel block in a 127–119 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. 12th win in his last 13 road games.
Morant started all 29 of his appearances this season, his third with the Grizzlies, and averaged 24.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.38 steals in 32.2 minutes, with a career-best percentage of 48.9% off the field and 38.3%. shooting from. 3-point range. Memphis currently leads the Southwest Division and is fourth in the Western Conference with a 28–14 record.
Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet was named NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week.