The Memphis Grizzlies have been one of the worst teams during the 2023-24 NBA season as they deal with the fallout of losing players via trades and free agency, but most importantly Ja Morant’s suspension.
The NBA league office gave Morant a 25-game suspension after multiple incidents involving possession of a firearm.
The star point guard was forced to watch his team struggle to begin the regular season, but he finally made his season debut on the road against the New Orleans Pelicans.
It looked like Memphis was on their way to another loss after going down big in the first half, but the team rallied in the second half.
Morant didn’t look rusty at all as he was able to score clutch baskets, including the game-winning floater at the buzzer to beat the Pelicans.
Shortly after the game ended, Morant was seen running through the tunnel and yelled out that he was keeping tabs on what people were saying about him via Michael C. Wright of NBA.com
“I kept receipts, too,” Morant said.
“I kept receipts, too.” – Ja Morant pic.twitter.com/NksfPhsbrp
— Michael C. Wright (@mikecwright) December 20, 2023
Morant’s reputation took a massive hit once the league suspended him, but the former No. 2 overall pick showed why the Memphis organization was willing to work with him as he is a legitimate game changer on the offensive end.
Morant led the team in scoring with 34 points, an impressive performance considering he hasn’t played a game in about eight months.
Although the Grizzlies dug themselves a massive hole in the standings, Morant’s return could propel them to make a run and perhaps threaten a Play-In Tournament spot.
NEXT: Graphic Shows How Much Money Ja Morant Lost During Suspension