Picture an afternoon at FedExForum during game 1 of the opening round playoffs series pitting Memphis against Minnesota’s T-Wolves.
The canvass reflects Ja Morant’s warm-up, a stirring rendition of the National Anthem, the Grizzlies’ energy-filled pregame warmup, fans ready to explode in FedExForum, the ups and downs of the game, a halftime balancing act, a woman removed after chaining herself to the base of a goal, and postgame interaction linking Morant, Zach Randolph and Moneybagg Yo.
With TSD Associate Publisher/Executive Editor Karanja A. Ajanaku providing the photographer’s eye and capturing images from his vantage point, here is his yield from an afternoon that amounted to a photographic bonanza.
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- Ja Morant works on his form ahead of scoring 32 points. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- Grammy-nominated Southern Avenue rocked the National Anthem. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- Fired up! (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- Pregame huddle. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- More pregame huddle. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- OK, the crowd is ready! (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- Tipoff. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- Steven Adams had his hands full with Karl Anthony Towns of the Timberwolves. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- Patrick Beverley was animated from beginning to end. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- Rookie Ziaire Williams seeking a three from the corner. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- Patrick Beverley in another annoying moment as he attempts to guard Ja Morant. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- Action in the paint. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- The ref listens as Patrick Beverley tries to make a case in his favor. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- As play unfolds, an unscripted scene develops courtesy of the woman near the base of the basket. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender.)
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- Getting things in hand. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- An early exit. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- With Ja Morant down, Karl Anthony Towns tries to get the ball away from him. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku)
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- Dillion Brooks penetrates the defense of Karl Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards and Patrick Beverley. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- Brandon Clarke tries to help Ja Morant who was hammered to the floor while attacking the paint. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- Ja Morant was pounded throughout the game. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- With Dillion Brooks leading the way, Ja Morant leaves the court with resolve. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- The balancing artistry of Red Panda. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- The balancing artistry of Red Panda. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- The balancing artistry of Red Panda. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- The balancing artistry of Red Panda. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- Memphis head coach Taylor Jenkins directing traffic. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- Anthony Edwards prepares to pounce on defense. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- Zach Randolph (right) seated next to Moneybagg Yo. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- Anthony Edwards was pretty much unstoppable in a 36-point debut in the NBA Playoffs for Minnesota. Desmond Bane and Anthony Melton supply the resistance on this drive. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- Taylor Jenkins answers questions during an in-game interview for ESPN. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- Grizz gets revenge while defending home turf at FedExForum. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- Let’s make some noise! (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- Desmond Bane goes for the floater. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- Ja Morant contorts his body in an effort to offset this defensive pressure. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- Minnesota could not shut downJa Morant but the Timberwolves certainly made the paint a difficult place to manuever. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)y cer
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- Patrick Beverley was not content to verbally spar with the Grizzlies. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- Zach Randolph and Ja Morant have a postgame exchange. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- Former NBA stalwart and now on-air commentator (in suit) make his way through as Ja Morant signs a jersey for Moneybagg Yo. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- Ja Morant, with bling in hand, as Moneybagg You captures the moment. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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- Moneybagg Yo and Ja Morant shake at the end of their postgame exchange, with Zach Randolph among those witnessing the connection. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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