“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.”

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.

Lofton Jr. appeared in 39 games and averaged 4.1 points and 1.7 rebounds in 7.1 minutes over two seasons with the Grizzlies.

Cold shooting night in Oklahoma sends Grizzlies to loss in the final game before Ja Morant returns Tuesday in New Orleans.

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Box score: Thunder 116, Grizzlies 97

Grizzlies release Kenneth Lofton Jr.

Grizzlies Insider: Can Memphis win like Memphis of old?

Here is the box score for the the Memphis Grizzlies’ game against Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center Monday, Dec. 18.

If the Grizzlies want any chance to make the play-in when Ja Morant returns, they will need to win at a 60% clip like the last two seasons. 

“Ja Morant will return to the Grizzlies and with that, a new project begins: Restoration, both of his place among the brightest young stars in the NBA constellation and his team’s place as a young contender.”

Young Oscar Tshiebwe was selling bricks to provide for his family when he was discovered at Bismack Biyombo’s basketball camp in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Next week, they’ll share the court together. 

He face-guarded Bane. He hounded Jaren Jackson Jr. into a miss and then sank a 3-pointer over Ziaire Williams. He drove and finished over center Bismack Biyombo. He scored on baseline cuts and pull-up jumpers. And praised a young Grizzly.

Dillon Brooks scored 26 points and hit a 3-point dagger to bury the Grizzlies in the fourth quarter on Friday. 

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Box score: Rockets 103, Grizzlies 96

NBA box score for Friday’s game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Houston Rockets played at FedExForum.

Ja Morant spoke to the media Friday. It wasn’t some raw apology press conference. But he said all the right things. He said he is learning to “protect his peace.” If the man can do that, good things will surely follow.

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Ja Morant talks about his return

The NBA All-Star point guard feels guilty for the poor start the Grizzlies have had this season. He is excited to get back on the court with his teammates. 

“I’ve never before advocated booing an opposing player, much less a returning former Grizzly. It’s not that the notion offends my sensibilities, it’s just not my inclination. This time is different.”

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Grizzlies Insider: Can Jaren Jackson Jr.‘s production stick?

Jaren Jackson Jr. is averaging 28.5 points since the start of December. When Ja Morant returns, can Jackson remain just as impactful?

Drew Hill and Chris Herrington wonder if Dillon Brooks should be booed in his return to Memphis, and Geoff Calkins joins to discuss the civil lawsuit against Ja Morant. 

Jaren Jackson Jr. has scored 85 points on 56.6% shooting for the Grizzlies over the last two games. Unfortunately, they were both losses. 

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Box score: Rockets 117, Grizzlies 104

The Memphis Grizzlies lost to the Houston Rockets Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

In the third day of hearings in a lawsuit against Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant, the court heard from former NBA player Mike Miller, Morant’s mother and others via pre-recorded video. 

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Follow the third day of hearings in Ja Morant lawsuit

The Daily Memphian’s Aarron Fleming and Drew Hill were in court Wednesday, following the proceedings.

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‘I just seen him flinch’: Pack backs Morant in Day 2 of hearings

Court update: Ja Morant’s father, sister weigh in on pickup game fight

Davonte Pack testified Tuesday about a summer 2022 fight that resulted in a lawsuit against Grizzlies star Ja Morant.

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Court update: Ja Morant’s father, sister weigh in on pickup game fight

Follow the second day of hearings in Ja Morant lawsuit

Ja Morant’s father and sister take the stand to testify in the civil lawsuit against the Memphis Grizzlies star in Shelby County court. 

The Daily Memphian’s Aarron Fleming and Drew Hill reported live from court during the second day of hearings in the civil lawsuit against Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant.

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Ja Morant gives his version of basketball game fight