Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant returned to the court Wednesday night and scored 17 points off the bench as the team defeated the Houston Rockets 130-125 and clinched a Southwest Division title.
Morant was greeted with cheers from the Memphis crowd when he checked in for the game. He also surprised the fans when he dunked on Kenyon Martin Jr. He played 24 minutes and couldn’t express his emotions when he spoke to reporters.
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Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, #12, handles the ball against Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr., #3, in the second half of an NBA basketball game on Wednesday, May 22. March 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
«I really can’t put it into words. I’m a little numb right now,» he said. «Grateful to everyone.»
The two-time All-Star served an eight-game suspension and missed nine total games after he was seen on video brandishing a gun at a Denver strip club. He then checked into a Florida stress management facility and returned to the bank Monday night.
NBA STAR JA MORANT INSISTS HE ‘NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH ALCOHOL,’ HE SEEKED HELP MANAGING STRESS
Memphis Grizzlies guards Ja Morant, #12, and John Konchar, #46, look for a rebound in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
«Obviously, I’m grateful for everyone who’s been supporting me through this time,» the two-time All-Star said of the fan reception. «It definitely helped me a lot. It definitely made me feel a little bit better. It eased everything that was going on. It felt good to be back. Super excited and glad that I was able to get the win.»
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said the decision to take Morant off the bench was a collaboration to make sure Morant didn’t get hurt after missing time.
«We want to be really smart, not just in the first two games, but in the first week or two,» Jenkins said. «We want to be smart with that layoff that we’re not doing anything to jeopardize your health as well.»
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, #12, shoots the ball in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
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Memphis will surely have Morant in the playoffs.
Associated Press contributed to this report.