Ja Morant made a triumphant return after an eight-game absence due to a hip injury, posting 22 points and 11 assists to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a commanding 123-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night.
The All-Star guard showed no signs of rust, shooting an efficient 6-for-12 from the field, including 2-for-3 from beyond the arc, while reenergizing Memphis’s up-tempo offense.
Jaren Jackson Jr. chipped in 21 points, and Santi Aldama delivered a dominant performance on the boards with a career-high 17 rebounds to go along with 13 points. The Grizzlies improved their season pace as they continue to capitalize on Morant’s return to the court.
Grizzlies Flex Depth Against Struggling Blazers
The Trail Blazers, led by Deni Avdija’s 17 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, struggled to keep up with Memphis from the outset. Shaedon Sharpe contributed 15 points, but Portland’s shooting woes—hitting just 33% of their attempts from the floor—left them playing catch-up all night.
Portland managed to cut a double-digit deficit to just six points in the third quarter, but the Grizzlies responded with a decisive burst to pull away. Memphis controlled the tempo and attacked the glass, outmatching Portland’s depleted roster on both ends of the floor.
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Key Takeaways
Trail Blazers: Shooting remains a glaring issue for Portland. After hitting only four threes in their previous loss to Memphis on November 10, the Blazers shot a dismal 8-for-46 (17.4%) from beyond the arc on Monday. This lack of efficiency from deep is becoming a recurring theme, making it difficult for the team to stay competitive.
Grizzlies: Morant’s return injected life into Memphis’s already fast-paced offense. Though they didn’t rely heavily on fast-break points, Morant’s ability to push the tempo and create opportunities was evident throughout the game. Additionally, Santi Aldama’s rebounding effort provided Memphis with much-needed second-chance opportunities.
Highlight Moment
Late in the second quarter, Morant showcased his flair for the dramatic by heaving a three-quarters-court shot that banked in. Although it came just after the halftime buzzer, the near-make electrified the crowd and underscored Morant’s confidence in his return. Memphis entered the break with a comfortable 65-54 lead and never looked back.
Key Stat
Portland’s 3-point struggles continued to plague them, as they went 3-for-20 from deep in the first half and finished the game a woeful 8-for-46. In contrast, Memphis shot efficiently from all areas of the floor, keeping Portland’s defense on its heels.
What’s Next?
The Trail Blazers (5-12) will look to rebound as they head to Indiana to face the Pacers on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies (9-8) host the Detroit Pistons, aiming to build on their momentum and integrate Morant further into their rotation.
With Morant back at the helm, Memphis appears poised to regain its footing in the Western Conference playoff race, while Portland’s ongoing shooting woes highlight their need for offensive consistency to stay competitive in the East.