The Memphis Grizzlies have had an awful start to their season. They are missing their superstar Ja Morant, who is still serving his 25-game suspension for his off-court actions. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies started the season with a six-game losing streak and are currently sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Memphis finally got their first win of this season tonight after beating the Portland Trail Blazers 112-100.

The Grizzlies’ first-season win has given them a glimmer of hope, and the fans are wondering if they can finally survive without Ja Morant. Here are 3 takeaways from the Grizzlies’ first win without the 2-time All-Star.

1. Jaren Jackson Jr. will be the key to the Grizzlies’ success

Memphis Grizzlies are hoping for their stars to step up their game until Ja Morant returns to action. They have several players who have the potential to become superstars, and Jaren Jackson Jr. is on top of that list. He is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, and the Grizzlies expect him to be the defensive anchor for the squad and also perform well on offense. Jaren Jackson Jr. had a great game against the Blazers tonight. He scored 27 points and 7 rebounds to help his team get the first win of the season. Even though he is a good player, Jackson has a habit of constantly getting into foul trouble. If the Grizzlies want to succeed in Ja Morant’s absence, then Jackson will have to work on his weakness and perform as he did against the Blazers on a nightly basis.

2. Winning against Portland does not prove much

Even though the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Portland Trail Blazers tonight, they should not be too ecstatic about their first win. The Trail Blazers are in the middle of a rebuild, and their roster is nowhere near the level of the Grizzlies. So, getting a win over a young Portland squad does not prove that Memphis can survive without Ja Morant. Memphis has been one of the most talented young teams in the past few years, and the fans expect them to make a run for the title when Morant returns.

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3. Memphis Grizzlies need Ja Morant

It is evident from the Grizzlies’ abysmal start to the season that they will not be able to win a championship without Ja Morant. They have hardly been able to stay afloat and are still adjusting to their new roster. Even though the Grizzlies have two former DPOYs on their squad, their opponents do not consider them a threat. Ja Morant is expected to make his return on December 19 against the New Orleans Pelicans. But it is possible that by the time the 2-time All-Star returns, the Grizzlies might dig themselves into a hole that Morant cannot get them out of.

Read More: “Can’t Beat Portland!?”: Fans Beg for Ja Morant as Grizzlies Go 0–6 After 1st In-Season Game Loss

Memphis fans are desperately waiting for Ja Morant to return and save their drowning ship.

Watch This Story: 51 Days Away From Return, Ja Morant Teases Grizzlies Reunion With 4-Words

Can Ja’s return in December turn their season around? Or will it be too little too late by the time the explosive point guard returns?