After serving a 25-match suspension for behavior detrimental to the NBA’s image, Ja Morant officially returned to the Memphis Grizzlies squad as a guest at the New Orleans Pelicans.

If including the period between the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons, Ja Morant has had up to 8 months without playing for the Memphis Grizzlies. However, he still left a strong impression in the return match, scoring 34 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists and the decisive throw to bring the home team a 115-113 victory.

Evaluating Ja Morant’s comeback game

Before the game, Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said he would not have any restrictions on Ja Morant’s minutes. The player born in 1999 still practiced with his teammates during his suspension and had no health problems.

However, the feeling of competing is something that Ja Morant cannot regain overnight. In the first half of the match, Ja Morant only had 7 points and 3 assists, while the Memphis Grizzlies were ahead by 19 points after the first two halves ended.

At that time, many people predicted that the Memphis Grizzlies would receive their 20th defeat this season. However, Ja Morant’s explosive performance in the second half of the match proved the opposite.

In the third quarter, Ja Morant scored 13 points and 4 assists, helping the Memphis Grizzlies gradually close the gap with the home team. In the fourth quarter, Ja Morant continued to be the leader in lifting the team’s spirit, helping the Memphis Grizzlies equalize the score 113-113. CJ McCollum missed a 3-pointer, Ja Morant grabbed a rebound and the Memphis Grizzlies called for a timeout with 9.1 seconds left on the clock.

Coach Taylor Jenkins decided to give the final ball to Ja Morant. Receiving the ball from his teammate, the defender born in 1999 adjusted the time, made a breakthrough into the basket and had a 2-point shot before the end of the game clock rang. Memphis Grizzlies won 115-113, and Ja Morant himself was awarded the title of “Best Player of the Match”.

This victory helps the Memphis Grizzlies take home their 7th victory after 26 matches in the 2023/24 season. In the past, there were only two teams with this achievement and still made it to the Playoff round. This is an extremely difficult task for the Memphis Grizzlies, but with the return of Ja Morant, they have the right to hope for change in the remaining 2/3 of the season.