In the return of Ja Morant, the Memphis Grizzlies edged out the New Orleans Pelicans with a nail-biting 115-113 victory. Morant, who had been out of action for 25 games due to suspension, made a sensational comeback, scoring 34 points. His performance was capped off with a mesmerizing spinning dribble in the lane, culminating in a game-winning floater as time ran out.
This impressive feat not only marked a personal triumph for Morant but also ended the Grizzlies’ five-game losing streak. Morant’s 34-point haul is now the highest in NBA history for a player returning from an absence of at least 25 games. The Grizzlies’ victory was a much-needed morale booster, considering they had struggled with a 6-19 record during Morant’s absence.
The Pelicans, despite a strong first-half performance, could not maintain their momentum in the face of Morant’s brilliance. Brandon Ingram was a standout for New Orleans, scoring 34 points, but Zion Williamson’s impact was limited due to foul trouble, leading to a mere 13-point contribution. The Pelicans were ahead by 19 points at halftime, thanks to Vince Williams‘ buzzer-beater 3-pointer.
However, Memphis clawed back into the game with an 11-0 run. Besides Morant’s heroics, the Grizzlies received significant contributions from Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane, who scored 24 and 21 points, respectively. This victory for Memphis also snapped the Pelicans’ four-game winning streak, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the league.
For New Orleans, Jonas Valanciunas had a strong showing with 22 points and 14 rebounds, and CJ McCollum added 18 points, primarily through six 3-pointers. Despite their efforts, the Pelicans couldn’t hold off the resurgent Grizzlies in the second half. The game’s conclusion left many in the crowd stunned as Morant and his teammates celebrated their hard-fought victory. This match not only marked a significant turning point for the Grizzlies but also set the stage for an exciting season ahead. The Pelicans, on the other hand, will look to regroup and come back stronger in their next game against Cleveland.
