In his first NBA game back, Ja Morant scored 17 points off the bench on 6-13 shooting, four rebounds, five assists, two steals, and a block on Wednesday night against the Houston Rockets.
While the 23-year-old stated on Tuesday that his situation was “up in the air,” head coach Taylor Jenkins virtually assured fans that Morant would be starting in the pregame rotation.
After being suspended by the NBA on March 4 for displaying a gun in a strip club, it was the All-Star’s first game back.
A moment after making his comeback, an ovating Morant made an alley-oop over Kenyon Martin Jr. with a slam as bold as ever.
Tee Morant, his father, who has been the focus of criticism for his position as a parent since the Denver incident, was at the courtside sporting a hoodie with the words “Redemption” printed on the front.
With the Mavericks losing and Memphis winning by a score of 130–125, the Grizzlies secured their spot in the postseason.
Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies in scoring with 37 points and 10 rebounds on the evening, while Ja Morant led the team in points scored off the bench. For Memphis, Desmond Bane added 20 points and seven assists.
Two Rockets players scored thirty or more points: Jalen Green scored thirty-two points, and Kenyon Martin Jr. scored thirty-one points during the shootout.
A jubilant Morant led his three-year-old daughter Kaari onto the court, where she repeated, “It’s a parade inside my city, yeah.”
Even though it was Morant’s first time back on an NBA court, the victory secured Memphis’ postseason spot.
Jenkins told reporters prior to the game, “Obviously we don’t have a long runway until the end of the regular season, but we want to be smart with that layoff that we’re not doing anything to jeopardize his health.”
Given his lack of competitive practice and play in recent weeks, Morant proposed the notion of playing less minutes before the game began.
The All-Star’s last game was on March 3 against Denver; he hasn’t played since receiving a suspension from the league and the Grizzlies.
Jenkins stated, “This was something he brought to the table as well as something that had been on my mind.”
We therefore agreed that, at least in the first one or two games, this was the best course of action. After that, we’ll sort of reevaluate.
Jenkins said that he was “really excited for [Morant]” after the game. Really looking forward to his return, fans.
“Considering how well the team was performing, I felt he was absolutely terrific tonight, really accepting of the opportunity to come off the bench… He remarked, “This is just a step in the process to get him back with the group.”
In addition, Morant expressed gratitude for the reception he received in his first game back at FedEx Forum, saying, “It meant a lot, man. Obviously, I’m thankful and grateful for everybody who’s been supporting me during this time.” Morant also confirmed that he had the idea to come off the bench given how successful the team had been playing recently.
It undoubtedly made me feel a little better and eased [with] everything that was going on. It really helped me a lot. It was nice to be back.
“I had the chance to do something I love, which I haven’t done in a while,” he continued. To be honest, I was rather eager to accomplish it.