Back after a 25-game suspension, Ja Morant – booed at the start of the match – was the attraction of the night in the NBA. The rookie of the year 2020, All Star in 2022 and 2023, was not missed with the Memphis Grizzlies (115-113). On the floor of the New Orleans Pelicans, the leader of the Tennessee franchise took responsibility when, ten seconds from the end of regulation time, the score was 113 everywhere: a one-on-one against Herbert Jones, a right hand finish near the circle and the victory basket, followed by a scene of jubilation surrounded by his teammates.
A finale where the boss took care of everything (14 points in the 4th quarter, like Jaren Jackson Jr) while the Grizzlies were launched into a long race against the clock to come back, they who had taken on water at midway through the second quarter and were still trailing by 10 points at the start of the final period. Almost nothing left, finally, while the Pels’ lead had risen to 24 points before halftime (60-36), in the wake of an effective CJ McCollum-Jonas Valanciunas duo (18 points in the end for the first, 22 and 14 rebounds for the second), while Zion Williamson was – already – restricted in his playing time due to fouls.
Despite Brandon Ingram’s 34 points, the Grizzlies nibbled, patiently, before this last action from a complete Morant for his first appearance of the season (34 points at 50%, 8 assists, 6 rebounds in 34 minutes). “I did my job,” said the hero of the evening, who allowed his team to win only their seventh game of the season. I hadn’t played in eight months, I had time to learn about myself. There were some very difficult times, but they passed. Basketball is what I love, it’s therapeutic for me. So I’m just excited to be back. » Next meeting for Memphis at home on the night of Thursday to Friday against the Pacers.
Lillard in the 20,000 point club
Damian Lillard is doing well, thanks for him. Against the San Antonio Spurs (132-119), the star leader of the Milwaukee Bucks passed the 30 point mark for the third time in a row, and that of 40 for the first time this season. Enough to cross the milestone of 20,000 career points. “I’m not going to pretend to minimize that,” appreciated the 8th active player to exceed this symbolic mark. This is a great accomplishment. »
Faced with Spurs deprived of Victor Wembanyama, himself deprived of facing Giannis Antetokounmpo for the first time in his NBA career, the Bucks only left their evening opponents in front for a few seconds, after the first basket of the match scored by Zach Collins. The rest saw them increase the gap to 24 points at the very end of the third quarter (107-83). Time for Antetokounmpo to sign his second triple double of the season (11 points, 14 rebounds, 16 assists, career record). A twentieth victory of the season to consolidate second place in the Eastern Conference, lying in wait behind the Boston Celtics, while the Spurs, last in the West, conceded their second setback in a row, having ended their series defeat against the Lakers on Saturday (129-115).
