Friday, December 22nd, 2023
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Ja Morant’s triumphant return to the Memphis Grizzlies’ home court after a 25-game suspension was nothing short of spectacular, guiding his team to a convincing 116-103 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night.
Morant, showcasing his scoring prowess with 20 points and facilitating the game with eight assists, played a pivotal role in securing the Grizzlies’ second consecutive win. Desmond Bane led the team with an impressive 31 points, complemented by seven assists, while Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 21 points and seven rebounds. The trio’s cohesive performance marked the second straight game where each player scored at least 20 points, reflecting the Grizzlies’ newfound offensive prowess.
“Having those two guys (Bane and Jackson) alongside of me who can pretty much go and score the ball at will at different levels is big time for us,” Morant remarked. “I feel like it makes us tougher to guard.”
Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins acknowledged the impact of their scoring, stating, “We’ve got a pretty good record when those guys score 20-plus points.”
The Grizzlies were still riding the wave of Morant’s previous heroics in New Orleans, where he scored 34 points, including the game-winning, spinning layup as time expired. Morant had been suspended for 25 games due to an NBA-imposed penalty for social media misconduct.
In a game that proved challenging for the Pacers, Obi Toppin led Indiana with 22 points, and Tyrese Haliburton contributed 17 points and an impressive 14 assists. Despite Indiana’s resilience, the Grizzlies maintained control throughout the matchup.
“This was a tough game for a lot of reasons,” acknowledged Pacers coach Rick Carlisle. “We didn’t play well, but we kept competing. I was really proud of the way the team kept their poise and their aggression.”
Memphis, with an 86-77 lead entering the third quarter, extended their advantage to 17 points midway through the fourth, securing their second home win of the season. The Pacers, coming off a convincing victory in Charlotte, struggled against Memphis, facing challenges with miscues and missed shots.
With Morant back in action, the Grizzlies showcased a renewed energy, evident in the first-half dominance where they shot at an impressive 60% overall and 50% from beyond the arc. Despite a Pacers’ 27-6 run that cut Memphis’ lead to 58-56 at halftime, the Grizzlies responded decisively in the third quarter to regain control.
The Grizzlies’ ball movement and teamwork were highlighted by 27 assists on the night, with Morant and Bane combining for 15.
“When we just get that ball moving for 48 minutes,” Jenkins emphasized, “that’s Grizzlies basketball.”
UP NEXT
Pacers: Host Orlando on Friday night.
Grizzlies: At Atlanta on Friday night.
Reporter