Ja Morant returns from suspension to help Grizzlies defeat Rockets

Ja Morant was appearing in his first NBA game since he was suspended for eight games for wielding a gun in public.

He put up 17 points, 5 assists and four rebounds in 24 minutes.

Desmond Bane finished with 20 points and Tyus Jones 14 for Memphis, and each added seven assists as the Grizzlies earned a morale-boosting win.

Morant entered the NBA game with 3:05 left in the first quarter to a rousing reception and applause that reverberated through the FedEx Forum, home of the Grizzlies. 

Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins made sure the minutes were distributed perfectly so Morant could finish the game on the court. 

The home fans were treated to the usual array of Morant’s package of dunks, layups and floaters. 

His first bucket was one for the cameras as  he hung in the air long enough to finish a layup and draw a foul. He also put  Kenyon Martin Jr. on a poster with a stunning dunk early in the second quarter.

Jenkins announced that Morant would be a reserve for a game or two. He said the decision is due in part to Morant’s lengthy absence and minutes restriction, and how well the Grizzlies had played without him.