Ja Morant returned to the NBA in the most viral way possible. After a 25-game suspension to begin the 2023-24 season, Morant netted 34 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds in his return to the hardwood. He also hit the game-winning floater at the buzzer in the 115-113 decision to cap off the Memphis Grizzlies’ 24-point comeback over the New Orleans Pelicans.
JA MORANT GAME WINNER IN HIS RETURN 🔥 pic.twitter.com/WV9cDWxvWc
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 20, 2023
“I’ve been putting work in, man,” Morant said to Stephanie Ready in his postgame interview. “I ain’t played a game in eight months. I had a lot of time to learn myself. A lot of hard days where I went through it, but basketball is my life. It’s what I love; it’s therapeutic for me and I’m just excited to be back.”
Morant knocked down the game winner at 9:01 p.m. CST, which is Memphis’ time zone. He also mentioned how it was his mother’s birthday.
“Happy birthday, ma!” Morant said. “I’m on the way home.”
“Basketball is my life, what I love, therapeutic for me, and I’m just excited to be back.”@StephanieReady caught up with Ja Morant after a buzzer-beating win for the Grizzlies in his return pic.twitter.com/eAPS6ASbj0
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 20, 2023
Social media exploded after the game.
“12!!!!” LeBron James posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “That’s all.”
Draymond Green, Tyrese Maxey, Kyle Kuzma, Kevin Garnett, Vince Carter and Tyus Jones were some of the other NBA players who shouted-out Morant as well.
love is love 💙 https://t.co/Jrs9WKtoZJ
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) December 20, 2023
Mark Phillips and his RDC World crew also provided their reaction with an immediate skit.
How Ja Morant was in the locker room after hitting the game winner 😂😭🏀 pic.twitter.com/TTo4bTlory
— Mark Phillips (@SupremeDreams_1) December 20, 2023
Morant’s sister and Mississippi Valley State freshman guard Niya Morant also added her immediate reaction.
Ja Morant sister goin off 😂 pic.twitter.com/LK9fASVvDf
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) December 20, 2023
