Imagine stepping back onto the court after a 10-game hiatus, only to face a nail-biting loss—that’s exactly what Ja Morant experienced in his return to the Memphis Grizzlies lineup. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite dropping 21 points and dishing out 10 assists, Morant’s performance left fans and critics divided. Was it a rusty comeback or a glimpse of what’s to come? Let’s dive in.
On Friday night, Morant rejoined the Grizzlies after a right calf strain sidelined him for nearly three weeks. In a 130-126 loss to the Utah Jazz, he showcased his playmaking prowess but struggled with efficiency, hitting just 7 of 20 shots and committing four turnovers in 25 minutes. When asked about his rhythm post-injury, Morant candidly admitted, ‘I was forced to get some shots up. Some of them, I should have been at the free throw line. Some I missed. Some I made. I can’t change it. I just got to live with it.’
And this is the part most people miss: Morant’s season averages—17.9 points and 7.6 assists—are below his career norms, including his 22.4 points per game average. His shooting percentages, both overall and from three-point range, have also dipped. Is this a temporary slump or a sign of deeper issues? The debate is on.
During Morant’s absence, the Grizzlies went 7-3, proving they could hold their own without their star guard. However, this 10-game stretch was the longest he’s missed this season, including a one-game suspension for criticizing the coaching staff and a game missed due to ankle soreness. At 6-foot-2 and in his seventh NBA season (all with Memphis), Morant’s journey has been nothing short of dynamic—from being the second overall pick in the 2019 draft to becoming a cornerstone of the Grizzlies’ identity.
Post-game, Morant didn’t hold back his frustration: ‘We should have won. Played soft. They outrebounded us. We let guys come off the bench and make a difference.’ He took personal accountability, vowing, ‘I’ve got to be better. I’ve got to help my bigs rebound, take care of the ball, make better decisions, and knock down shots. I’ll correct mine, and we’ll correct ours together.’
Here’s the burning question: Can Morant regain his All-Star form and lead the Grizzlies to playoff success, or is this season shaping up to be a learning curve? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
