WATCH: “More clutch than Curry” – Ja Morant’s ‘POETIC’ game-winner after 25-game suspension helps Grizzlies break five-game losing streak

Ja Morant returned after serving the suspension and took the basketball world by storm.

WATCH: “More clutch than Curry” – Ja Morant’s ‘POETIC’ game-winner after 25-game suspension helps Grizzlies break five-game losing streak

Ja Morant put up the game winning shot with less than a second remaining (TNTSports)

The Memphis Grizzlies’ star guard, Ja Morant, returned triumphantly to the NBA. He marked his presence with a stunning game-winning shot that led his team to victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. This remarkable performance came after a 25-game suspension. It showcased Morant’s resilience and talent. With the Grizzlies and Pelicans tied at 113, the final 9.6 seconds of the game saw him spectacularly take control.

Receiving the inbound pass, Morant advanced to the frontcourt to engage in an isolation play. As the clock dwindled down to 3.5 seconds, he executed a flawless crossover and evaded the help defense with a spin. Rising for a floater, Morant released the ball just in time to evade the defenders. He won the game at the buzzer.

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This is what Ja Morant had to say post-game about his exceptional performance in his return game and the game-winning play:

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I'm a dawg. I put in work day in and day out... I ain't played a game in eight months... Basketball is my life, what I love and therapeutic for me and I'm just excited to be back. I called twelve. I really didn't want coach to call the timeout that's why I told him and that's the play I wanted to run right there. They believed in me... and I had to deliver for them.
Ja Morant after defeating the Pelicans

Morant’s impact on the game was monumental. Scoring 14 points in the fourth quarter, Morant totaled 27 in the second half, reaching 34 points in 35 minutes. Beyond scoring, he added six rebounds and eight assists, displaying versatile skills. His performance sets a new NBA record for the most points scored in a return game after missing 25+ games.

This game-winning shot is not just a highlight of this game; it’s a testament to Morant’s growth as a player and his unyielding spirit. This moment is likely to be remembered as one of the most iconic in his career, marking his return to the NBA in a fashion that only a player of his caliber could achieve.

Fans react to Ja Morant’s resilient comeback

Ja Morant’s journey back to the court was not without its challenges. The NBA had earlier announced that Morant was suspended for the first 25 games of the 2023-24 season following his brandishing a gun on his Instagram Live. However, his dedication to returning stronger was evident in his performance against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Ja Morant celebrating with his teammates post-game (TNTSports)

The reaction to Morant’s game-winner was electric, both in the arena and on social media. Fans took to Twitter to express their admiration and shock at Morant’s clutch performance.

The Memphis Grizzlies struggled in Morant’s absence, as highlighted in their last defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 30 points, secured a 116-97 victory, marking the Grizzlies’ fifth consecutive loss before Morant’s return. His heroic return ended this slump and injected a new energy into the team. The new energy could benefit the team immensely moving forward.

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