Ja Morant Returns With 24 Points in Grizzlies London Win

Ja Morant proved some comebacks are worth the wait.

The two-time All-Star guard returned to the court Sunday after a six-game absence due to a right calf injury, immediately energizing the Memphis Grizzlies with 24 points and 13 assists. His performance led Memphis to a 126-109 victory over the Orlando Magic at London's O2 Arena, giving British basketball fans their first taste of NBA regular-season action since 2019.

Morant wasted no time making his presence felt. He racked up 20 points and 10 assists in just the first half, helping his team build a commanding 33-point lead.

The Grizzlies needed this spark desperately. They had lost seven of their previous nine games and were searching for momentum.

Jock Landale contributed 21 points and 8 rebounds, while Jaren Jackson Jr. added 17 points as Memphis avenged their 118-111 loss to Orlando in Berlin just three days earlier. The two teams faced off in a rare European doubleheader that brought NBA excitement across the Atlantic.

Orlando fought back in the fourth quarter, with Paolo Banchero hitting a three-pointer to cut the deficit to 17 points with just over eight minutes remaining. But the Grizzlies held firm and closed out the victory.

Sunny's Take

What makes this story special isn't just the basketball. It's about bringing people together across continents for the love of the game.

London basketball fans showed up in force, filling the O2 Arena with energy that players on both sides could feel. They waited seven years for this moment, and Morant's electrifying return made it worth every minute.

The NBA's commitment to international games continues to grow stronger. Europe will host two more regular-season games in 2027 in Paris and Manchester, followed by games in Paris and Berlin in 2028.

For Morant personally, the comeback represents more than just statistics. Playing on a minutes restriction after injury, he logged 28 minutes and 24 seconds while showing he's ready to lead his team forward.

This game marked the 10th NBA regular-season contest in London since the first one on March 4, 2011, building a bridge between American basketball and international fans who love the sport just as much.