The best Christmas gift that a Memphis Grizzlies fan could receive came just ahead of the holiday season. Ja Morant stunned in his return from a 25-game suspension.
The comeback seemed slim, with the Grizzlies down 60-36 in the second quarter. It was a discouraging start for a team under .500 that had lost five games in a row.
With two of their lead guards, Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose, sidelined, it seemed like the game was wrapped up. But Ja erupted with 21 in the second half, finishing with 34 points, eight assists, six rebounds, two steals, shooting 50%.
The plays that made the highlight reel were not the hustle plays; Morant was putting his body on the line to extend this game.
Morant was nothing short of spectacular. Although still working to get back in game shape, he pushed through to lead his team to victory.
On the game’s last play, Ja asked Head Coach Taylor Jenkins to give him space to get downhill, and that’s what he did, hitting the game-winner at the buzzer on Pelican’s defender Herb Jones.
He made eye contact with his father as soon as he made the shot, reaffirming he was back as his teammates rushed him.
“I’ve been putting work in, man. I ain’t played a game in 8 months.. basketball is my life, what I love, therapeutic for me, and I’m just excited to be back.” Morant told TNT courtside sideline correspondent Stephanie Ready. “Call 12; I really didn’t want coach to call the timeout, that’s why I told him, ‘yeah, that’s the play I want to run.'”
The NBA community of players and staff welcomed Morant back with open arms after his game-winner and responded with the same love.
What are your thoughts on Ja’s return?
