Troubled NBA star Ja Morant is looking for a reset in his career, and he started things off with a sensational buzzer-beater on Tuesday
It’s been a tumultuous start to the NBA career of mercurial star Ja Morant. While supremely talented, the young Memphis Grizzlies star has been dogged by off-the-court issues and some really bad decisions. But, after much trial and tribulation, the 24-year-old sensation made his return from suspension in style on Tuesday night against the New Orleans Pelicans.
A Return To Glory
As mentioned, Morant has never been a slouch on the court, and his return from a 25-game banishment proved no different. The suspension stemmed from his social media antics with handguns.
The two-time All-Star finished with 34 points, including 14 in the final seven minutes. Most importantly, he hit a running layup at the buzzer to cap off a thrilling 24-point comeback for the Grizzlies.
After eight months away from the court, he said he has been anticipating coming back and changing a lot of people’s perceptions about him.
“I’ve been putting work in,” Morant said after the win. “I had a lot of time to learn myself. A lot of hard days. But basketball is my life, what I love, therapeutic for me, and I’m just excited to be back.”
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Morant’s Mom Provides Messages Of Support
In the locker room, Ja Morant shared a screenshot of some text messages he had received from his mother. As expected, she had nothing but words of encouragement for her son on a highly emotional night.
“Its ‘The Return’ play your game. Let the game come tonight you!!” she wrote before the game. “Don’t force nothing!!! You got this and will come out with a W Love you and Beneath NoOne!!”
Morant’s mother then asked him if he was ready for the game, and he responded: “I’m your son. You know the answer.”
After the game, he triumphantly messaged back to his mom “tell em IM COMING ma, love you.”
Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies (7-19, 13th place in the NBA’s Western Conference standings) will host the Indiana Pacers (13-12, 8th place, Eastern Conference) on Thursday night.
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