NBA superstar Ja Morant’s sensational return to the Memphis Grizzlies continued with another 30-point game, his third in just four games since his comeback, leading the team to a thrilling 116-115 overtime victory against the New Orleans Pelicans. This win marks the Grizzlies’ fourth consecutive victory since Morant’s season debut in the same venue a week ago.
Morant, who scored 31 points, expressed his excitement about being back and contributing to the team’s winning streak. Desmond Bane added 27 points, including a crucial three-pointer in the final minute of regulation, and sealed the win with a free throw in the dying moments of overtime.
“Obviously excited to be back,” Morant said. “But being able to come back and win four games now and continue to take this momentum to the next game and the next day, is big time for us.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Memphis showcased a strong defensive performance, tallying 17 blocks, led by Xavier Tillman’s five, and 10 steals. Morant emphasized the team’s confidence and ability to come back from double-digit deficits.
The Grizzlies had faced a similar situation in Morant’s season opener against the Pelicans, overcoming a 24-point deficit in the second quarter. Morant, recently named the Western Conference Player of the Week, joked about his scoring potential and credited his teammates for his success.
“I’d average 40 if I’d make some 3s,” Morant said with a grin after missing six of his 7 attempts from deep. “A lot of credit to my teammates. Obviously, without them on the floor, I won’t have the gaps I have, the lanes I have and them always telling me to be aggressive allows me to go out and deliver for us.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 19 points and made crucial baskets in overtime to secure the win. Marcus Smart, returning from a lengthy absence, added 13 points, including a key transition layup in overtime.
“We know what we’re capable of,” Morant said. “We told ourselves, we’ve been here before. We were very confident.”
The Pelicans, led by Zion Williamson with 23 points and 11 rebounds and Brandon Ingram with 24 points, faced their second consecutive loss. Jonas Valanciunas added 17 points and 13 rebounds, while CJ McCollum scored 16.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Pelicans coach Willie Green reflected on the team’s discipline faltering towards the end, leading to turnovers and missed execution, contributing to the loss.
“For three-and-a-half quarters, our game-plan discipline was at a high level,” Green said. “As the game started to get a little close, we get tired … and we started to turn the ball over, not execute as well and we let them right back into the game.
“It’s not one guy, it’s all of us,” Green explained. “This crap hurts, losing games like this. But it’s a part of it and we have to learn from these moments.”
The game’s climax in regulation saw a series of dramatic moments with video reviews and foul calls. Morant’s narrow miss led to a jump ball, which Memphis won, setting up a final play that led to free throws for Jackson, who made one to tie the game but missed the second.
Morant expressed his determination in the extra period, leading the team to victory in what he called “winning time.”
“At that point, it’s winning time,” Morant said. “We had an extra 5 minutes of basketball and we know we had to get it done.”
Looking ahead, the Grizzlies will face the Denver Nuggets, while the Pelicans host the Utah Jazz, both games scheduled for Thursday night.
