Grizzlies fall to Lakers despite Ja's 40-10 game: 'Failure builds character'

Memphis Grizzlies star point guard Ja Morant continued his tremendous start to the season in Sunday's 121-118 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, pouring in 40 points and 10 assists.

For all Morant's brilliance, though, the 22-year-old failed to sink a free throw that would've tied the contest at 119 in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter.

Rather than dwell on his crucial miss, Morant posted two tweets following the game suggesting he was focused on learning from the moment.

Morant's performance was the latest in a growing list of eye-popping statistical outings from the Murray State product. He became the first player in Grizzlies history to record 40 points and 10 assists in a game, according to ESPN.

Morant is averaging 35 points, eight assists, 3.6 rebounds, and two steals while shooting 57.9% from the field and 38% on 3-pointers through three games. He's helped the Grizzlies get out to a 2-1 start.

Meanwhile, the Lakers recorded their first win of the season after an 0-2 start at Staples Center. Carmelo Anthony provided a huge boost with 28 points and six treys off the bench on a night where he passed Moses Malone to move into ninth on the NBA's all-time scoring list.