The Memphis Grizzlies have been reeling during the 2023-24 NBA season as they’ve tried to work around missing some of their key pieces.
The most important player on the team, Ja Morant, was forced to serve a 25-game suspension to begin the season due to multiple firearm incidents but he finally made his long-awaited return against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Despite not having played since the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers, Morant looked like his usual self on the floor.
It was amazing to see Morant play as he didn’t look like he lost a step at all and dictated the offense in the second half.
Morant scored a team-high 34 points, including the game-winning floater at the buzzer to beat New Orleans.
Skip Bayless couldn’t help but sing Morant’s praises after his magnificent performance via his personal Twitter account.
“Ja Morant made Memphis a completely different basketball team. He was a team-high +12. Every minute he played was a problem for the Pels. His game-shape stamina was unbelievable. His guts to drive it for the game-winner was a sight to behold. WHAT A RETURN,” Bayless tweeted.
Ja Morant made Memphis a completely different basketball team. He was a team-high +12. Every minute he played was a problem for the Pels. His game-shape stamina was unbelievable. His guts to drive it for the game-winner was a sight to behold. WHAT A RETURN.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) December 20, 2023
Bayless, like everyone else, was impressed with what they saw from Morant given that most expected him to need a few games to find his rhythm on the floor.
However, Morant clearly didn’t need the time to get himself acclimated to game action as he was full-go almost from the jump.
It was quite the return for one of the league’s star guards, though Memphis still finds themselves toward the bottom of the standings.
NEXT: Ja Morant Sent A Strong Message After Game-Winning Shot