The Grizzlies’ points per 100 possessions before Morant’s return were dead last in the NBA. In his two games back, they’re now the sixth-best offense. 

Ja Morant was back at FedExForum Thursday. But you know what else was back? Fun! It suddenly seems like a whole new season for the Grizzlies. And in this season, the Grizzlies are a perfect 2-0.

In Ja Morant’s return game, it was all three of Memphis stars who pushed the Grizzlies to a win. 

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Box score: Grizzlies 116, Pacers 103

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‘What crime did he commit?’: Tee Morant talks Ja’s return on NBA XM radio

The Memphis Grizzlies played the Indiana Pacers on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee.

Tigers coach Penny Hardaway spoke to reporters about the statuses of Nae’Qwan Tomlin and Jaykwon Walton and other topics Thursday after Memphis’ Tiger Toy Drive.

Tee Morant shared how he believes people should view his son, Ja, with the show hosts.

Cooper Haynes and Carlyn Burdette were chosen after strong performances last week.

The Brothers are relying on Keeper Jackson to step it up this season, and so far, he’s delivering the goods.

Ja Morant said playing in FedExForum is like playing in front of family and he can’t wait to feel the love from Memphis fans again.

Drew Hill and Chris Herrington discuss Ja Morant’s return game against the Pelicans and what his presence means for the rest of the season. 

Standouts from Hillcrest, Hamilton lead the way this week.

Memphis City Council approved the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium ownership transfer but with the caveat that the U of M, the City and Fred Jones would continue to negotiate.

Keonde Henry is just the 11th four-star recruit in program history to sign with the Tigers, according to 247Sports.

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Greg Gaston, Tim Buckley and Parth Upadhyaya discuss the blowout win over Virginia on Tuesday night. On the football side, Frank Bonner II joins for recruiting talk on the first day of the NCAA’s December early signing period.

Depending on the ruling, the focus could shift to plaintiff Joshua Holloway’s team to show Morant can be held liable.

Head coach Ryan Silverfield and his staff have landed some quality names during this transfer recruiting cycle.

For players like Germantown’s Daniel Anderson, the road is rarely straightforward but the payoff is worth the journey. And, Bartlett’s Snap Reed signs with Tennessee State.

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High school recruiting tracker: Memphis-area college football commits/signees

Houston running back Damon Sisa, coach James Thomas also among the honorees.

With the signing of Kansas State transfer Nae’Qwan Tomlin now official, an already dangerous Memphis team could get a major boost.

“Morant used a hesitation dribble and spin move to get the ball into the lane and over New Orleans’ Herb Jones, one of the NBA’s best defenders. Right at the buzzer. Welcome back.”

Memphis’ win Tuesday over No. 22 Virginia gives the team three straight wins over nationally ranked opponents.

Yes, Ja Morant really did that. He really did score 34 points — and the winning bucket — in his return to NBA basketball. It was a night already part of Grizzlies lore. And it should give Memphians real hope.

Ja Morant said he wasn’t going for a historic performance in his return on Tuesday night. He did one better than that. 

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Box score: Grizzlies 115, Pelicans 113

NBA box score for Tuesday’s game between the Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans.

The City Council voted 8-2-1 Tuesday, Dec. 19, to approve conveying ownership of the stadium to the U of M Auxiliary Services Foundation and $120 million in cash to help pay for $220 million in renovations.