Ja Morant's Triumphant Return to the Court
After a lengthy 25-game hiatus, Ja Morant made a resounding return to the hardwood, capturing the Western Conference Player of the Week honors for Week 9. The Memphis Grizzlies’ star guard found himself sidelined due to a suspension emanating from a firearm display on social media, an incident that drew considerable attention and criticism.
Morant's comeback game on December 19 against the New Orleans Pelicans was a nail-biter, with the Grizzlies clinching a narrow 115-113 victory. This win marked the beginning of a positive turnaround for the team, which had been struggling in the absence of their high-flying playmaker.
A Stellar Week for Morant
In the games following his return, Morant showcased why he is considered one of the league's most electrifying talents. Against the Indiana Pacers, he tallied 20 points, eight assists, and five rebounds. He followed up this performance with an even more impressive stat line against the Atlanta Hawks, pouring in 30 points, dishing out 11 assists, and grabbing six rebounds. These performances were pivotal in securing three consecutive wins for the Grizzlies since Morant rejoined the lineup.
The team's record now stands at 9-19, positioning them 13th in the Western Conference standings. Despite the challenging start to the season, the recent upswing has injected a dose of optimism into the Grizzlies' camp, largely thanks to Morant's influence on the court.
Acknowledging Past Mistakes
This stint away from the game was not Morant's first; he had previously faced an eight-game suspension for a similar issue. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver did not mince words when addressing Morant's behavior, which led to the imposition of specific conditions upon his return. In addition to offering a public apology to the NBA, the Grizzlies organization, and the city of Memphis, Morant agreed to periodic check-ins with the league office as part of his path back to active status.
Reflecting on his time away from the game, Morant expressed a sincere desire to move forward and make amends. "These are my guys. I love them. Obviously, I’m excited to be back. But being able to come back and win four games now and continue to take this momentum to the next game, it’s big time for us," Morant stated, acknowledging the importance of team cohesion and consistent performance.
He continued, "Enough of me, it’s just us as a team continuing to stay consistent and continuing to trust each other and just going out there to rack up wins." His focus remains firmly on contributing to the team's success rather than drawing attention to his personal accolades.
Morant also recognized the support system around him during his suspension, saying, "...But you know with everything else, being around the team, being able to practice, being able to travel, the guys just constantly talking to me and vice versa, it’s been good." The camaraderie within the Grizzlies' ranks appears to have played a significant role in keeping Morant engaged and prepared for his eventual return.
Addressing his fans directly, Morant made a heartfelt promise: "And to all of my fans, I’m going to make it up to you, I promise." This pledge reflects his commitment to not only redeeming himself but also rewarding the faith and support shown by his fanbase throughout the ordeal.
Recognition Across the League
While Morant's return and subsequent performances have stolen headlines, it's worth noting that Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers earned the Player of the Week award in the Eastern Conference, highlighting his own exceptional play.
For Morant, the recognition as Player of the Week represents his third such honor in his burgeoning career, signaling that despite setbacks, his talent continues to shine brightly on the basketball stage. With Morant back in action and evidently focused on guiding his team to more victories, the Grizzlies look poised to climb the rankings and make noise in the competitive Western Conference.