NEW ORLEANS, La. – Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies characterized his game-winning shot against the New Orleans Pelicans as “the perfect ending” to a “perfect day.”

His 25-game suspension for his pistol antics on social media ended on Tuesday, and a new chapter in his already remarkable basketball career began in a historic way.

Never before in NBA history has a player returned from a 25-game absence and scored as many points.

Never mind that Morant led Memphis back from a 24-point deficit to win 115-113 on the road against a New Orleans Pelicans team that had won its previous four games and included the likes of Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson.

Fans in New Orleans did not greet Morant warmly and booed him during pre-game introductions and again as he dribbled the ball on the game’s first possession.

“There’s a lot of people who don’t like me; you can see where that got ’em,” Morant added, a faint grin on his face. “I’m not sure what I did to the Pelicans or their fans, but at least they got to cheer for their team.” So everything is fine.”

Ja Morant Gratified By A ‘Perfect Ending’ To A ‘Perfect Day’ As He Returns From NBA Suspension

Many of those supporters left the arena in stunned silence as Morant celebrated his winning basket with teammates who appeared to be invigorated with confidence and belief as Morant took over.

“It felt different out there, having our guy back, our leader,” said Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane. “He does so much for us on the court, of course, and the spirit and the energy he plays with is infectious.”

The Grizzlies went 6-19 in Morant’s absence. They’ll need to make up ground soon to re-enter the NBA playoff picture. Time will tell if Morant’s comeback signaled the start of such a run, but things are looking up.

“We’ve been down all season in games like that; we’ll make a run, and then a team will throw another punch, and it’s tough to overcome and come back,” Bane said. “Our resiliency was on display tonight.”

Morant admitted that he still needs to get into game fitness, adding that his calves began to cramp at the last minute.

Ja Morant Gratified By A ‘Perfect Ending’ To A ‘Perfect Day’ As He Returns From NBA Suspension

During the game’s final timeout, he massaged his calves with a hand-held massage machine while coach Taylor Jenkins devised the game-winning play for Morant. Additionally, he suggested that Jaren Jackson Jr. take the final shot in regulation, but his teammates and coaches flatly disagreed and insisted that Morant receive the ball.

“So, at that point, I pretty much had to lock in and go deliver,” Morant said.

Jenkins reinserted Morant into the starting lineup and said he would try to limit his minutes in his first few games. With a chance to win, he left Morant in the game for 35 minutes.

“My one expectation was for him to have fun, honestly,” Jenkins said. “I know how hard he’s been working. His teammates are aware of the effort he has made.

“I thought he did a phenomenal job,” Jenkins added. “Just with the pace and the ball movement and obviously the high level-plays, finishes.”

After the game, Heisman Trophy winner LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, who had courtside tickets, and Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James and Golden State Warriors player Draymond Green, among others, congratulated the team.

Morant was allowed to practice and travel with the Grizzlies throughout his ban, but he was not

permitted to be in an arena with his team during games.

According to Jenkins, Morant has been increasingly involved in training and video-chatting with teammates during games.

“I’ve been really proud of his commitment every single day with the amount of work that he’s been putting in because it’s been a unique two-and-a-half months where he got to really dive into his overall just well-being on and off the floor.”

Ja Morant Gratified By A ‘Perfect Ending’ To A ‘Perfect Day’ As He Returns From NBA Suspension

Ja stated that he felt compelled to set an example for loved ones and teammates by responding to his ban in this manner.

“I believe that in this world, many of us make mistakes. “And I felt like the message they got from mine was that even if you make a mistake, you can fix it and reinvent yourself,” Morant added. “I felt like that was the good that came out of this process.” I obviously don’t wish that had happened, but it definitely propelled me, my family, and my staff to new heights.”

Since being spotted flashing a pistol on a social media livestream on March 4, the No. 2 overall choice in the 2019 draft, 2020 NBA Rookie of the Year, and 2022 Most Improved Player has been suspended for a total of 33 games.

Morant originally told reporters after the Los Angeles Lakers eliminated Memphis from the playoffs in April that he needed to make better judgments because off-the-court concerns had hampered the Grizzlies’ season. A squad that earned a second consecutive No. 2 seed in the Western Conference only survived six games in the playoffs.

Morant was singing with friends only two weeks later when he was found with a pistol during a livestream video. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver assessed the issue and announced the second suspension and further actions Morant should take.

This entailed meeting with the NBA office and the National Basketball Players Association every week.

SOURCE – (AP)