After serving a 25-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the NBA’s image, Ja Morant officially returned to the Memphis Grizzlies lineup when they visited the New Orleans Pelicans.

Including the time between the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons, Ja Morant has not played for the Memphis Grizzlies for 8 months. However, he still left a strong impression in his return match, scoring 34 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists and the decisive shot to bring the home team a 115-113 victory.

Ja Morant’s return review

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

However, the feeling of playing is something that Ja Morant cannot regain overnight. In the first half of the match, Ja Morant only had 7 points, 3 assists, while the Memphis Grizzlies were down 19 points after the first 2 rounds ended.

At that point, many predicted the Memphis Grizzlies would suffer their 20th loss of the season. However, Ja Morant’s explosive performance in the second half of the match proved otherwise.