In a comeback for the ages, Ja Morant made a triumphant return to professional basketball, leading the Memphis Grizzlies to a thrilling 115-113 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night. Morant, who had been suspended for 25 games due to social media controversies involving firearms, delivered a remarkable performance, scoring 34 points and hitting the game-winning floater at the buzzer.
The Grizzlies, who entered the game on a five-game losing streak and had struggled during Morant’s suspension, found themselves trailing by a staggering 24 points in the first half. However, Morant’s heroics, both on offense and defense, fueled an incredible comeback.
With just 1:22 remaining in the game, Morant drove inside and scored a crucial basket, giving the Grizzlies a 113-111 lead. The Pelicans managed to tie the game, but in the final seconds, Morant took matters into his own hands. He executed a spinning dribble in the lane and sank a game-winning floater as time expired, leaving the crowd stunned.
Morant’s 34-point performance marked a historic comeback, setting an NBA record for the most points scored by a player returning from an absence of at least 25 games. His ability to drive to the basket and finish with finesse was on full display, showcasing his dynamic skills.
Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 24 points, while Desmond Bane added 21 for the Grizzlies, who snapped the Pelicans’ four-game winning streak. On the Pelicans’ side, Brandon Ingram scored an impressive 34 points, but Zion Williamson’s limited playing time due to foul trouble limited his impact, as he finished with just 13 points.
Despite being booed by the partisan Pelicans fans during pregame introductions and early possessions, Morant’s performance on the court silenced the crowd. His explosive scoring in the third quarter, where he scored eight points in just over a minute, electrified the audience and showcased his resilience.
Memphis found themselves trailing by a significant margin, but an 11-0 run late in the first half and into the third quarter brought them back into the game. Morant’s ability to disrupt the Pelicans’ defense and create scoring opportunities continued to keep his team competitive.
In a game filled with exciting moments, Morant made it clear that he was ready to make his mark on the NBA once again. He looked winded at times and struggled with jump shots, but his prowess in driving into the paint and finishing with flair remained undiminished. He utilized crossover dribbles, high floaters in the lane, finger rolls, and double-pump bank shots to keep the Pelicans on their toes.
In attendance for Morant’s comeback were notable figures, including LSU Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels and Tigers star receiver Malik Nabers, adding to the excitement of the evening.
While the Pelicans had their moments, including a 28-2 run with CJ McCollum making four 3-pointers and Ingram’s powerful dunk, it was Morant’s night to shine. The Grizzlies’ comeback victory was a testament to their determination and Morant’s incredible performance.
This matchup marked only the seventh time that Ja Morant and Zion Williamson, the top two NBA draft picks in 2019, had faced each other in an NBA game, primarily due to Williamson’s previous health issues. Morant’s return to the court promises to bring further excitement to the NBA season, as he continues to establish himself as one of the league’s brightest stars.
