Ja Morant’s sensational return: Hits game-winning buzzer-beater after 25-game suspension absence
Ja Morant’s triumphant return shakes the NBA as he seals a 115-113 victory against the New Orleans Pelicans with a stunning buzzer-beater. The Grizzlies faced a challenging season without Morant, serving an eight-game suspension and 25 games without pay for an Instagram Live incident. With a current record of 7-19, the Grizzlies sit 13th in the Western Conference, but Morant’s comeback injects optimism.
In a post-game interview with TNT Sports, Morant expressed his resilience, describing himself as a “dog” who endured eight months without playing. He acknowledged the therapeutic nature of basketball, emphasizing his excitement to be back on the court.
LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar, showed support before the game, encouraging Morant to “Go be GREAT again!!”
Morant’s game-winning performance featured a spectacular buzzer-beater, solidifying his status as one of the league’s most electrifying players. He concluded the night with an impressive stat line, recording 34 points, six rebounds, eight assists, and two steals.
Morant praised his teammates as “brothers,” highlighting the collective effort during his suspension. The Grizzlies now anticipate a positive turnaround with Morant’s return, standing five-and-a-half games away from an automatic playoff spot.
Contributions from Jaren Jackson Jr. (24 points, six rebounds) and Desmond Bane (21 points, four assists) complemented Morant’s stellar performance.
Although the New Orleans Pelicans, led by Brandon Ingram’s 34 points, attempted to halt the Grizzlies’ momentum, they couldn’t prevent the team from snapping their four-game winning streak.
Looking ahead, the Grizzlies are set to face the Indiana Pacers at home, while the Pelicans travel to Ohio to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers on the same night. Morant’s comeback marks a turning point for the Grizzlies, injecting hope and anticipation for a successful season.
Displaying unmatched skill, Morant’s game-winner involved a mesmerizing spin, mid-air hang, and precise angle off the backboard. The 24-year-old sensation notched an impressive 34 points, along with six rebounds, eight assists, and two steals, sharing the game-high.
Post-game, Morant expressed gratitude for his teammates, likening their support to that of “brothers” throughout his suspension. Detailing their collective effort, he emphasized the dedication—hard practices, light practices, treatment, and flights—reflecting the camaraderie that fueled his return. The positive encouragement from teammates, urging him to persevere, underscored their unwavering belief in him and showcased the genuine excitement for his comeback.
With Morant’s return, the Grizzlies anticipate an upturn, trailing by five-and-a-half games from an automatic playoff spot. Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 24 points and six rebounds, while Desmond Bane added 21 points and four assists in support.
Despite Brandon Ingram’s impressive 34 points, six assists, and four rebounds for the Pelicans, it couldn’t thwart the Grizzlies from ending their four-game winning streak.
Looking forward, the Grizzlies are set to face the Indiana Pacers at home, while the Pelicans head to Ohio for a matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday. The stage is set for an exciting showdown as both teams aim to make their mark in the league.
