Ja Morant marked his return to the NBA with a spectacular performance, leading the Memphis Grizzlies to a 115-113 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. Despite facing a 24-point deficit, Morant's outstanding play included 27 points in the second half. The game reached a thrilling climax as Morant, with less than 10 seconds remaining, executed a decisive spin move, banking in a shot at the buzzer to secure the win. After the game, Morant expressed his excitement about being back on the court after serving a 25-game suspension for a social media incident involving a firearm.
The two-time All-Star showcased resilience, finishing the night with 34 points, eight assists, and six rebounds, emphasizing his love for basketball as a therapeutic outlet. Morant received a mixed reaction from the crowd, including cheers from Grizzlies fans, and expressed gratitude for his teammates' support throughout the challenging period of his suspension.