In a comeback that will be remembered for years to come, Ja Morant staged an awe-inspiring return to professional basketball, propelling the Memphis Grizzlies to a sensational 115-113 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on a thrilling Tuesday night. Morant, who had faced a suspension lasting 25 games owing to controversies surrounding firearms on social media, showcased an extraordinary performance, amassing 34 points and delivering a game-winning floater at the buzzer.
The Grizzlies, entering the game amid a frustrating five-game losing streak and facing struggles during Morant’s absence, found themselves in a colossal 24-point deficit during the first half. Nevertheless, Morant, through a combination of offensive brilliance and defensive tenacity, ignited a remarkable resurgence.
With a mere 1:22 left in the game, Morant displayed his trademark drive, scoring a pivotal basket that gave the Grizzlies a 113-111 lead. Although the Pelicans managed to level the score, the final moments belonged to Morant. With time ticking away, he executed a mesmerizing spinning dribble in the paint, sinking the game-winning floater just as the buzzer sounded, leaving the crowd in sheer disbelief.
Morant’s exceptional 34-point performance etched itself into the annals of NBA history, setting a record for the most points scored by a player returning from a 25-game absence. His uncanny ability to navigate through the defense and finish with finesse was on full display, a testament to his dynamic skills.
Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 24 points, while Desmond Bane added 21 for the Grizzlies, putting an end to the Pelicans’ four-game winning streak. On the Pelicans’ side, Brandon Ingram delivered a commendable 34-point performance, although Zion Williamson’s limited playing time due to foul trouble restrained his impact, with him finishing at a mere 13 points.
Despite facing boos from the partisan Pelicans fans during pregame introductions and early possessions, Morant’s on-court brilliance managed to silence the crowd. His explosive scoring spree in the third quarter, where he accumulated eight points in just over a minute, electrified the audience and showcased his unwavering resilience.
Memphis had been trailing by a considerable margin, but an 11-0 run spanning the latter part of the first half and the beginning of the third quarter catapulted them back into contention. Morant’s capacity to disrupt the Pelicans’ defense and create scoring opportunities remained instrumental in keeping his team competitive.
In a game brimming with exhilarating moments, Morant left an indelible mark, reaffirming his presence in the NBA. Although he appeared fatigued at times and grappled with jump shots, his prowess in driving to the rim and finishing with panache remained undiminished. He utilized a repertoire of crossover dribbles, high-flying floaters in the lane, elegant finger rolls, and stylish double-pump bank shots to keep the Pelicans guessing.
Notable figures in attendance for Morant’s comeback included LSU Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels and Tigers star receiver Malik Nabers, adding an extra layer of excitement to the evening.
While the Pelicans showcased their own moments of brilliance, such as a jaw-dropping 28-2 run with CJ McCollum nailing four 3-pointers and Ingram’s thunderous dunk, it was undoubtedly Morant’s night to shine. The Grizzlies’ remarkable comeback victory served as a testament to their unwavering determination and Morant’s extraordinary performance.
This thrilling matchup marked only the seventh encounter between Ja Morant and Zion Williamson, the top two NBA draft picks in 2019, largely due to Williamson’s previous health concerns. Morant’s return to the court promises to inject more excitement into the NBA season, solidifying his status as one of the league’s brightest stars.
