The Memphis Grizzlies played Sunday’s home game against the Utah Jazz without star guard Ja Morant, who missed his sixth game of the season due to right thigh soreness, the team announced pregame.

Tyus Jones, the Grizzlies’ top backup point guard, took Morant’s place in the lineup and finished with 21 points as Memphis prevailed, 123-118.

“It’s just next man up. Be ready when your name is called,” Jones said of filling in for Morant. “Being ready for your opportunity. No excuses. Just play ball.”

In addition to Morant, Memphis was without center Steven Adams, sidelined with a non-COVID illness. That took the Grizzlies’ leading scorer and top rebounder off the floor.

There were times when the Jazz made a run, cutting into the Grizzlies’ lead, which reached 16 points early in the third quarter, but settled into single digits late. Utah just didn’t seem to have that late push to overcome the Memphis advantage.

“There were a few possessions where we had our chances,” said guard Mike Conley, who finished with seven points and eight assists. “We just turned it over and gave them easy opportunities in transition.”

Things got testy late in the third quarter when Clarkson was called for a Flagrant 2 against Desmond Bane, leading to Clarkson’s ejection. That contributed to Memphis carrying a 98-90 lead. As Clarkson left the court, he raised his arms encouraging the Memphis fans to continue their boos.

Memphis is 2-3 without Morant, who’s averaging 27.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg and 8.0 apg thus far. The Grizzlies (26-13) have been trading the Western Conference lead with the Nuggets (26-13), and with Sunday’s win, moved into a tie with Denver for No. 1.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.