In June, the NBA revealed via a press release, that Memphis Grizzlies All-Star Ja Morant will face a 25-game suspension, for once again wielding a firearm on social media.
Then yesterday, Ja Morant celebrated his return after his lengthy suspension, and it couldn’t have been scripted any better by Hollywood writers. Morant not only had an outstanding performance with his 34 points (12/24 FG), 6 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals,, he also was able to hit the game-winning buzzer-beater.
In the crucial final possession, even though facing one of the league’s best defenders in Herb Jones, Morant went for a spin move to create enough space for a graceful floater that tantalizingly danced on the rim before finally dropping into the basket.
“I’ve been putting work in, man. I ain’t played a game in 8 months,” Morant said after the game. “Basketball is my life, what I love, therapeutic for me, and I’m just excited to be back.”
It was a huge and important victory for the Grizzlies, who now are 7-18, so they’ll need Morant to continue to be at his best, if they’re going to get back into the playoff race.
As you can imagine, NBA Twitter as well as NBA players reacted accordingly to Morant’s incredible comeback.
The Ja effect
— Kevin Garnett (@KevinGarnett5KG) December 20, 2023
He’s back!!!!!
#12#JaMorant— Vince Carter (@mrvincecarter15) December 20, 2023
JA is Back
— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) December 19, 2023
Tough Ja!!
— Draymond Green (@Money23Green) December 20, 2023
1️⃣2️⃣!!!! That’s All
— LeBron James (@KingJames) December 20, 2023
ja morant tonight pic.twitter.com/icn4Dl2jbl
— juju (@ayeejuju) December 19, 2023
— TopOFGame (@topofgame2986) December 20, 2023
How Ja Morant was in the locker room after hitting the game winner pic.twitter.com/TTo4bTlory
— Mark Phillips (@SupremeDreams_1) December 20, 2023
Grizzlies: “We need you to hit a game winner in your first game back”
Ja Morant: pic.twitter.com/WEyZVCFnMp
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) December 20, 2023
“Ja you just hit the game winner, lets go celebrate”
Ja Morant: pic.twitter.com/jfzHNJ1vkl
— Mink Flow (@currypistonn) December 20, 2023
Ja Morant hitting a game winner his first game back like pic.twitter.com/yLqzjukz7a
— Qura (@Qurandale) December 20, 2023
