NBA roundup: Celtics maintain hot start, Grizzlies win on Morant's return

On Monday, Kristaps Porzingis of Boston and Ja Morant from Memphis made their highly anticipated returns to the NBA after recovering from injuries, while Kyrie Irving contributed significantly with 32 points, leading Dallas to a victory against Atlanta.

Porzingis recorded 16 points, successfully converting 5-of-6 attempts from within the 3-point line, along with six rebounds, two blocks, and two assists in 23 minutes of play for the defending champion Celtics, who triumphed over the Los Angeles Clippers with a score of 126-94.

"I am ready to go and eager for many great victories ahead," Porzingis remarked.

The Latvian center had been out of action for five months due to left ankle surgery he underwent last June, following an injury sustained during the NBA Finals.

"It has been incredibly difficult not being able to participate," Porzingis expressed. "However, the wait has been worthwhile, as I am finally back with my teammates."

He noted, "In the past couple of weeks, I have been approaching the point of returning to play, and as I increased my training, my eagerness to get back on the court grew. And now, here I am."

When asked about his ankle, Porzingis commented, "It was not as challenging as I had anticipated. I did experience a few mishaps on some lobs, but I managed to finish strong, and I am pleased with my performance, the victory, and I expect to find my rhythm more with each game."

Jayson Tatum and bench player Payton Pritchard each contributed 20 points for the Celtics, while Derrick White added 19 points and Jaylen Brown scored 17.

"Regardless of who is available or not, this team is exceptionally well-constructed," Porzingis stated. "It does not matter who is absent; we are capable of winning any game."

Ivica Zubac led the Clippers with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while James Harden contributed 19 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists.

In Memphis, Morant showcased his explosive style of play, leading the Grizzlies to a 123-98 victory over Portland.

Morant scored 20 of his 22 points in the first half and also provided 11 assists, while Jaren Jackson Jr. added 21 points for Memphis.

Morant has been sidelined for the last eight games of the Grizzlies due to a hip injury sustained during a fall against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 6.

In Atlanta, Irving contributed significantly to the Dallas Mavericks' victory over the Hawks, scoring 22 of his total 32 points in the second half, resulting in a final score of 129-119.

Jaden Hardy supported the team with 23 points, while both Naji Marshall and Spencer Dinwiddie added 22 points each for the Mavericks. Jalen Johnson led the Hawks with 28 points, marking their third consecutive loss.

In a thrilling finish, Jaden Ivey of Detroit secured a 102-100 win against Toronto with a floater at the buzzer, finishing with a team-high 25 points.

Tyrese Haliburton was instrumental for the Indiana Pacers, scoring 34 points and providing 13 assists in their 114-110 victory over New Orleans.

Germany's Franz Wagner led the Orlando Magic to a 95-84 win against Charlotte, despite LaMelo Ball's impressive game-high 44 points for the Hornets.

SportsLigue