Ja Morant returns from ban to score 34; lifts Grizzlies past Pelicans

Ja Morant ended a remarkable 34-point return to the season with a twisting dribble in the lane that set up a game-winning floater at the buzzer, securing the Memphis Grizzlies' 115-113 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night.

The Grizzlies, who had been on a five-game losing streak and had a 6-19 record during Morant's 25-game suspension due to his social media posts involving guns, trailed by 24 points in the first half. However, they managed to take a 113-111 lead with 1:22 remaining in the game on Morant's basket inside.

After the Pelicans tied the game, both teams missed 3-pointers before Morant's last-second heroics. His dramatic finish left the crowd stunned as he and his teammates celebrated under the basket.

"I've been putting in a lot of work," Morant said. "I haven't played a game in eight months. I've had a lot of time to learn about myself. There were a lot of tough days, but basketball is my life - it's what I love, and it's therapeutic for me. I'm just excited to be back."

Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins praised Morant's execution of the winning play, calling it "a special play by a special player." Morant's 34-point performance set an NBA record for the most points scored by a player returning from an absence of at least 25 games.

"He was able to do whatever he wanted," said Pelicans forward Zion Williamson. "Ja was able to get downhill a lot. Him doing that opened up the game for the rest of them."

Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 24 points, and Desmond Bane added 21 for Memphis, ending the Pelicans' four-game winning streak.

Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 34 points, but Zion Williamson's playing time was limited to 24 minutes due to foul trouble, and he finished with just 13 points.

"BI was great. He made plays for himself, for his teammates, made big basket after big basket," Pelicans coach Willie Green said. "Unfortunately, we just didn’t do enough."

Morant was greeted with boos from Pelicans fans during pregame introductions and when he handled the ball early in the game. However, the boos gradually faded as the game progressed.

LSU Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels and Tigers star receiver Malik Nabers were among the spectators for Morant's comeback, sitting in the front row near the New Orleans bench.

Although Morant appeared fatigued at times and didn't connect on many jump shots, his ability to drive into the paint and finish remained impressive. His diverse scoring included crossover dribbles leading to high floaters, finger rolls, and double-pump bank shots.

Memphis staged an 11-0 run late in the first half and into the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 60-47. Morant played a pivotal role in the Grizzlies' resurgence, continuously putting pressure on the Pelicans' defense.

Morant was rested early in the fourth quarter but returned to the court with about eight minutes remaining, playing until the end of the game.

"I've been working hard, but there's nothing like NBA basketball," Morant said. "I just had to lock in and push through - pretty much my life, you know, just continuing to push, no matter what."

Jonas Valanciunas contributed 22 points and 14 rebounds for the Pelicans, while CJ McCollum scored 18 points with six 3-pointers.

New Orleans went on a 28-2 run, highlighted by McCollum's four 3-pointers and Ingram's powerful dunk, to take a commanding lead of 53-31. They led 60-41 at halftime after a last-second corner 3-pointer by Memphis' Vince Williams.

Despite being in the same division, this game marked only the seventh time Morant and Williamson, the top two NBA draft picks in 2019, had faced each other due to Williamson's injury concerns.

The Grizzlies will host the Indiana Pacers next, while the Pelicans will visit the Cleveland Cavaliers.