After a three-week hiatus due to a hip injury, Ja Morant returned to action in spectacular fashion, treating fans to an electric performance against the Portland Trail Blazers. The Memphis Grizzlies’ star guard didn’t just lead his team to a resounding 123-98 victory—he made sure everyone knew he was back, throwing down a thunderous one-handed dunk en route to a 22-point, 11-assist double-double.
The Comeback Story: From Injury to Dominance
Morant’s absence began on December 7 during a game against the Lakers when a failed alley-oop attempt resulted in a hard fall after contact with Christian Koloko. The diagnosis? A partially dislocated posterior hip joint and a Grade 1 pelvic strain. After missing eight games, Morant’s much-anticipated return was nothing short of cinematic.
A Star Reborn
Morant didn’t take long to announce his comeback. In the second quarter, he executed a jaw-dropping one-handed tomahawk dunk that had the Memphis crowd on its feet. His aggressive play and court vision proved pivotal, helping the Grizzlies secure their third consecutive victory.
- Stat Line: 22 points, 11 assists, 3 rebounds
- Highlight Reel: A soaring one-handed dunk in the second quarter
Supporting Cast Steals the Show Too
While Morant grabbed the headlines, his teammates also stepped up:
- Jaren Jackson Jr.: The big man put up 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks, showcasing his two-way dominance.
- Santi Aldama: Coming off the bench, Aldama recorded a career-high 17 rebounds along with 13 points, proving to be a key factor in controlling the paint.
Blazers Struggle to Keep Up
For the Trail Blazers, it was a night to forget. Despite valiant efforts from Deni Avdija (17 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists) and Shaedon Sharpe (15 points), the team’s shooting woes were their undoing. Portland’s dismal shooting percentage of 33.3% (34/102) ensured they never truly threatened Memphis.
Key Takeaways
- Ja Morant’s Game-Changing Impact
Morant’s ability to create plays, score efficiently, and electrify the crowd has returned Memphis to its winning ways. His presence is invaluable as the Grizzlies push for playoff positioning. - Grizzlies’ Depth Shines
Role players like Aldama stepping up in crucial moments illustrate Memphis’ depth. With Morant healthy and the supporting cast clicking, the Grizzlies look formidable. - Blazers’ Shooting Woes
Portland’s inefficiency on offense continues to haunt them. Unless they find a way to improve their shooting percentages, their playoff hopes may be short-lived.
FAQs
Ja Morant scored 22 points, dished out 11 assists, and added 3 rebounds in his comeback game against the Trail Blazers.
During Morant’s eight-game absence, the Grizzlies struggled with consistency but managed to maintain a competitive edge.
Deni Avdija led the Blazers with 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists, but the team’s overall poor shooting hindered their performance.
Conclusion
Ja Morant’s return couldn’t have come at a better time for the Memphis Grizzlies. His explosive performance, coupled with stellar contributions from his teammates, demonstrated why Memphis is a team to watch in the Western Conference. For the Trail Blazers, it’s back to the drawing board as they seek to address their offensive struggles.
As the Grizzlies continue their quest for dominance, fans can’t help but wonder: with Morant back and the team firing on all cylinders, how far can they go this season? One thing’s for sure—Ja Morant is making basketball in Memphis must-see TV.
