5 Reasons Ja Morant's 'Non-Counting' Dunk On Wemby Is Still The NBA's Most Viral Moment Of 2025
The question has become a modern NBA legend: Did Ja Morant actually dunk on Victor Wembanyama? The short answer is yes, he did, but the full story of the most replayed and debated highlight of the 2025 season is far more complex than a simple box score entry. The moment, which occurred during a heated matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and the San Antonio Spurs, instantly went viral, creating a mythological "poster dunk" that didn't technically count but solidified a budding rivalry between two of the league's most dynamic stars.
This single play—a ferocious, gravity-defying slam over the 7-foot-4 French phenomenon—transcended the game's final score, becoming a symbol of Morant's audacious athleticism and Wembanyama's status as the ultimate defensive challenge. While the official whistle negated the points, the sheer audacity and spectacle of the attempt cemented its place as a career-defining highlight, proving that some moments are simply too epic to be ignored.
The Duelists: Ja Morant and Victor Wembanyama Player Profiles
The anticipation surrounding any matchup between the electric point guard and the generational big man is immense, pitting pure vertical explosion against unprecedented length. Their head-to-head duels have quickly become must-watch television, showcasing a clash of styles that defines the modern NBA.
Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies) Biography & Profile
- Full Name: Temetrius Jamel Morant
- Born: August 10, 1999 (Dalzell, South Carolina)
- Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
- Weight: 174 lb (79 kg)
- Position: Point Guard
- Team: Memphis Grizzlies
- Draft: 2019, Round 1, Pick 2 (Murray State)
- Career Highlights: 2x NBA All-Star, NBA Most Improved Player (2022), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2020)
- Style of Play: Known for his elite speed, explosive vertical leap, and highlight-reel dunks, earning him the nickname "Ja-Dro" (a nod to Vince Carter).
Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs) Biography & Profile
- Full Name: Victor Wembanyama
- Born: January 4, 2004 (Le Chesnay, France)
- Height: 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m)
- Weight: 210 lb (95 kg)
- Position: Power Forward / Center
- Team: San Antonio Spurs
- Draft: 2023, Round 1, Pick 1 (Metropolitans 92)
- Career Highlights: NBA Rookie of the Year (2024), French League MVP (2023), 2x French League Best Defender.
- Style of Play: A generational talent defined by his unprecedented combination of height, ball-handling, shooting range, and elite rim protection.
The Anatomy of the Non-Counting Poster Dunk
The infamous play occurred on the night of January 2, 2024, during a game where the Grizzlies defeated the Spurs 106-98. The moment itself was a microcosm of the entire rivalry: Morant driving fearlessly into the paint, and Wembanyama rotating to use his incredible 8-foot wingspan to protect the rim. This was no ordinary layup attempt; it was a challenge to "Mount Wembanyama," the 7-foot-4 defensive anchor.
Morant took off, elevating with his signature ferocity, and slammed the ball through the rim as Wembanyama contested the shot. The sheer power and height of the dunk, performed over a player of Wembanyama's stature, sent the arena into a frenzy.
However, the celebration was cut short. The referees had blown the whistle just before the dunk, calling a foul on the floor, which instantly negated the highlight. This technicality sparked immediate debate: did the whistle blow *before* the action, or was the call delayed? Regardless, the dunk was officially wiped from the stat sheet, making it one of the most memorable non-scoring plays in recent NBA history.
5 Reasons the 'Ja Dunking on Wemby' Moment Still Matters
Despite not counting, the viral footage of Morant's attempted posterization of Wembanyama remains a major talking point, solidifying its importance beyond the official score sheet. It’s a highlight that captures the essence of their individual star power and their rivalry.
1. The Ultimate Test of Audacity vs. Length
Morant’s willingness to challenge Wembanyama, a player who leads the league in blocks and has an unprecedented reach, speaks volumes about his fearless mentality. It was a direct, high-stakes confrontation between the league's most explosive vertical athlete and its most formidable defensive obstacle. This kind of challenge defines the competitive spirit of the NBA.
2. A Symbol of Morant's Return and Impact
The dunk occurred shortly after Ja Morant returned from a long suspension, making the highlight even more significant. It was an emphatic statement that the Grizzlies' star was back to his electrifying, highlight-producing ways, instantly re-establishing his place among the league's elite. He proved he could still "climb the mountain" that is Wembanyama.
3. The Head-to-Head Dominance (So Far)
The viral moment is part of a larger, lopsided narrative: Morant holds a perfect 3-0 record against Wembanyama in their career matchups. In those three games, Morant has averaged a stellar 24.0 points, 11.0 assists, and 4.0 rebounds, showcasing his ability to lead his team to victory against the Spurs' star rookie.
4. The 'Dunk of the Year' That Didn't Count
Many analysts and fans immediately dubbed the play the "Dunk of the Year," even with the whistle. The combination of Morant's elevation, the size of his defender, and the sheer force of the finish made it arguably the most visually stunning play of the season. It became "perhaps the single coolest dunk that has ever not counted during an NBA game."
5. Fuel for a Budding Rivalry
Every great NBA era is built on dynamic rivalries. The Morant vs. Wembanyama matchup—the veteran All-Star guard against the rookie phenom big man—is a perfect storm of talent and personality. The non-counting dunk is now a piece of rivalry lore, a moment that will be referenced every time the Grizzlies and Spurs face off, building anticipation for the next true posterization attempt.
The Future of the Grizzlies vs. Spurs Rivalry
As of the 2025 season, the rivalry between the Memphis Grizzlies and the San Antonio Spurs, spearheaded by Ja Morant and Victor Wembanyama, is one of the most exciting in the Western Conference. The duel represents a fascinating clash of styles and team timelines: Morant's Grizzlies are looking to re-establish themselves as title contenders, while Wembanyama's Spurs are focused on building their championship foundation around their generational talent.
Morant's explosive drives and playmaking ability consistently test Wembanyama's elite rim protection. The French star, despite his length, moves with uncanny agility, making him a perennial threat for a block or a deflection. The next time these two face off, every possession involving Morant driving toward the basket will be watched with bated breath, waiting for the rematch and the true, official poster dunk that fans crave. The rivalry is set to be a cornerstone of the NBA landscape for the next decade.
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