Last night, Ja Morant returned to the NBA hardwood after a 25-game suspension for basically being young and stupid off the court.
Unfortunately for Memphis fans, his return initially looked underwhelming as Ja appeared sluggish and out of breath. That wasn’t surprising considering he missed the first quarter of the season while serving his punishment for branding a gun in two different videos.
Morant looked winded and the broadcast team discussed the young star having a minutes restriction as he built his stamina back up. That was obvious in the first half as Morant posted only seven points and three assists while the Pelicans built a 24-point lead. If that continued in the second half, it would be understandable as it was Morant’s first game back and the Grizzlies had a 6-19 record.
But then the second half started and with it arrived the Ja Morant of old.
In the third quarter, Ja came alive and dropped 13 points and four assists, helping to cut the deficit from 19 to 10.
Then came fourth quarter Ja Morant and New Orleans was not prepared for it. That’s when Ja channeled his inner Goku and showed the NBA what happens when he unleashes his Ultra Inner Instinct.
Not only did he score 14 in the period on 5-8 shooting, he also scored Memphis’ final six points, including the game-winning shot at the buzzer.
Ja for the win! ????????
— First and Pen (@firstandpen) December 20, 2023
In his first game game after a 25-game suspension, Ja Morant scored 34 and hit the game winner at the buzzer! pic.twitter.com/ZqZwLKB2Wk
Ja was immediately mobbed by his teammates, who missed him dearly during the team’s losing start to the season. With Ja on the court, the vibe and mentality are completely different for Memphis, something guard Desmond Bane noted after the game.
“It felt different out there, having our guy back, our leader,” said Bane.
Ja Morant brings an extra level of energy to the game and gives Memphis a superstar to rely on, especially in crunch time.
This performance is why Ja Morant was sorely missed by his teammates, the city of Memphis and the entire NBA fanbase.
And Ja must remember that every time he thinks of doing something stupid that might jeopardize his career.
It’s obvious that the first eight-game suspension and loss of $700,000 in docked salary he received for branding a gun on video at a Colorado nightclub wasn’t enough to curb his behavior, for a few months later he did the same thing in a car and was hit with the 25-game suspension.
Morant said that he experienced some “eye-opening” realizations during his suspension and vowed to change.
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