The Memphis Grizzlies have improved to 5-0 on the season after blowing out the Portland Trail Blazers on Ja Morant's first game against his old team. Up 23 points with two and a half minutes remaining, the Grizzlies were already in celebration mode on the bench.
Big man Isaiah Stewart had an unusual way of celebrating, though, as he proceeded to slap his teammates hard on the chest. GG Jackson flinched before allowing Stewart to slap him, then gave out a laugh. Cameron Boozer also felt the force of P-Stew's powerful hand as their teammates laughed in the background.
Stewart is in his first season on the Grizzlies after getting traded by the Detroit Pistons. While he has a history of getting into physical altercations and earning suspensions, he has been known as a strong locker room presence. And it appears he is already having a positive impact on Memphis' chemistry.
“Beef Stew” has also played his part in the Grizzlies' success with his strong play off the bench. Through four games, he is averaging 9.8 points and 3.5 rebounds in 17.5 minutes. That includes a season-high 18 points against the Blazers on 7-of-10 shooting.
Boozer was the star of the show against the Blazers as he had an 18-point, 12-rebound, and 12-assist triple-double. In doing so, he became the second-youngest player to record a triple-double in the NBA behind only Josh Giddey.
Stewart and the Grizzlies have a strong chance to extend their unbeaten run further as they begin a four-game home stand against the winless Sacramento Kings and the struggling New Orleans Pelicans.