It’s just a few hours before tipoff, and the energy at the arena is already palpable. Fans are trickling into their seats, the sound of bouncing basketballs echoes through the court, and the lights begin to set the stage for the evening’s action.

In the Memphis Grizzlies’ locker room, however, Ja Morant is in his own world. The superstar guard, known for his explosive athleticism and dynamic playmaking, is leaning back in his chair, headphones on, lost in the rhythms of his favorite pregame playlist.

The Calm Before the Storm

For Ja Morant, music isn’t just a pastime—it’s a ritual. On game days, it’s a tool to focus his mind, calm his nerves, and prepare his body for the high-octane performance fans expect.

“Music puts me in the zone,” Ja says. “It helps me lock in, block out everything else, and just think about the game.”

As he scrolls through his playlist, a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and a few tracks from his favorite Memphis artists, the 24-year-old takes a deep breath.

The matchup against the Sacramento Kings is crucial, with both teams fighting for playoff positioning in the Western Conference. For Ja, this is another opportunity to prove why he’s one of the most electrifying players in the league.