Ja Morant returns from 3-week absence, helps Grizzlies rout Pelicans
Ja Morant had not played since he was injured in a loss at Atlanta on March 18.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Ja Morant had 21 points and nine assists in his return from soreness in his right knee and the routed the New Orleans Pelicans 141-114 on Saturday night to tie the 2012-13 franchise record for victories in a season at 56.
After missing nine games, Morant played almost 27 minutes as the second-seeded Grizzlies got their starting lineup back together in preparation for the postseason. They will close the regular season at home against Boston on Sunday night.
Morant had not played since he was injured in a loss at Atlanta on March 18.
Ja Morant was dropping dimes and taking flight in his return to the @memgrizz.
He led #GrindCity to their 56th win of the season, tying a franchise record.@JaMorant: 21 PTS, 4 REB, 9 AST pic.twitter.com/aCFStPd7r3
— NBA (@NBA) April 10, 2022
“Being out there with my team is something I’ve been waiting on since March 19,” Morant said, referring to the day after his injury. “I was finally able to do that. Excited to be out there. Had a lot of fun. Just preparing for this stretch we’re about to go on in the playoffs.”
Morant, who was named an All-Star starter for the first time this season, has been one of the main catalysts behind the Grizzlies rise near the top of the NBA this season. He averages 27.4 points, 6.7 assists and 6.7 assists and leads the league in points in the paint at 16.8 points.
