Ja Morant shines with 22 points in Grizzlies' season opener against Jazz
- Ja Morant returned to action after a challenging previous season, contributing significantly with 22 points and 10 assists.
- Utah Jazz nearly overcame a substantial deficit, led by Lauri Markkanen's 35 points, but struggled with turnovers throughout the game.
- The Grizzlies' victory indicates a promising start to their season, showcasing strong individual performances and teamwork.
On October 23, 2024, in Salt Lake City, Ja Morant made a successful return to the court, scoring 22 points, dishing out 10 assists, and grabbing five rebounds, leading the Memphis Grizzlies to a narrow 126-124 victory over the Utah Jazz. This game was significant as Morant had faced challenges in the previous season, including a 25-game suspension and a serious shoulder injury that limited his appearances to just nine games. Despite the Grizzlies initially holding a comfortable lead, the Jazz mounted a strong comeback in the fourth quarter, tying the game with just under three minutes left. Santi Aldama and Desmond Bane provided crucial scoring support with 27 and 24 points respectively. Lauri Markkanen starred for Utah with 35 points, but the Jazz’s frequent turnovers hindered their efforts in the early stages of the match. In a key moment, Aldama’s back-to-back baskets ensured Memphis secured the victory. The Grizzlies exhibited strong perimeter shooting throughout the game, contributing significantly to their final score. This win set a positive tone for Memphis as they prepared for their next game against Houston, while Utah looked to overcome their mistakes in their upcoming matchup against Golden State.