NEW ORLEANS – Ja Morant made a sensational season debut, scoring 34 points including a game-winning floater, to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a thrilling 115-113 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night. Morant’s return marked the end of a 25-game suspension and a significant turnaround for the Grizzlies, who had been struggling without him.
The Grizzlies, who had lost five straight games and were 6-19 during Morant’s suspension, staged a remarkable comeback from a 24-point first-half deficit. Morant’s inside basket in the final moments put Memphis up 113-111, setting the stage for his heroics at the buzzer.
Morant’s performance, which set an NBA record for the most points in a comeback after an absence of at least 25 games, was met with initial boos from Pelicans fans. However, his explosive play, including eight points in just 1:20 early in the third quarter, eventually quieted the crowd.
“I’ve been putting work in, man,” Morant said. “Basketball is my life – what I love, therapeutic for me. And I’m just excited to be back.” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins praised Morant’s execution of the final play, calling it “a special play by a special player.”
Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 24 points, and Desmond Bane added 21 for Memphis, snapping not only their losing streak but also halting the Pelicans’ four-game winning run.
For New Orleans, Brandon Ingram led with 34 points, while Zion Williamson, limited by foul trouble, managed 13 points. Jonas Valanciunas had a double-double with 22 points and 14 rebounds, and CJ McCollum contributed 18 points.
The Pelicans initially dominated, going on a 28-2 run with McCollum’s four 3-pointers and Ingram’s highlight dunk, leading 60-41 at halftime. However, Memphis’ resurgence began late in the first half and continued into the third quarter, with Morant’s dynamic play cutting the deficit significantly.
The game remained competitive, with Morant consistently finding ways to score and keep the Grizzlies in contention.
Notable attendees included LSU Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels and star receiver Malik Nabers, who witnessed Morant’s array of crossovers, floaters, finger rolls, and double-pump bank shots.
This game was just the seventh time Morant and Williamson, the top two NBA draft picks in 2019, had appeared in the same game, largely due to Williamson’s health issues.
Up Next:
- The Grizzlies host the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night.
- The Pelicans visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night.
Morant’s return not only galvanized the Grizzlies but also highlighted his immense talent and importance to the team, setting the tone for their upcoming fixtures.
