Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIDecember 20, 2023
AP Photo/Gerald Herbert
Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant made a triumphant return with a buzzer-beating game-winner. His shot concluded a 34-point performance and sealed a 115-113 road victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday evening.
Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizz
HEIN. pic.twitter.com/qLAzQFtepu
Morant, who was making his regular-season debut after serving a 25-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the league, also added eight assists and six rebounds. He made 12-of-24 field goals in his 35 minutes.
The Pelicans led by as many as 24 points and carried a 10-point lead into the fourth quarter, but Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 14 apiece in the final frame to lead the Grizz all the way back.
Brandon Ingram paced the Pels with 34 points. Jonas Valančiūnas added a 22-point, 14-rebound double-double, and Zion Williamson scored 13 points.
Having Morant back is certainly a welcome sight for the Grizzlies, who went just 6-19 in his absence. Morant didn’t show any rust upon his return, and his patented explosiveness was on full display in this one.
Memphis has plenty of ground to make up in the race for the playoffs, but nearly three-quarters of the season still remain. With Morant back in the mix, a return trip to the postseason after finishing as a No. 2 seed each of the past two years is certainly possible.
For now, though, the Grizz are looking to stack wins. Up next is Morant’s 2023-24 home debut, which will occur on Thursday against Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers.
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