When Ja Morant was in New Orleans on Tuesday night, he did not receive the kind of response that was really good.
After serving a suspension of 25 games, Morant returned to the Grizzlies, and the pro-Pelicans fans at Smoothie King Center had a variety of reactions to him when he made his return. At the same time, the cheers that were heard were significantly less loud than the booing that were heard.
The point guard was presented prior to the game, and according to a video that was shared by ESPN reporter Marc Spears, he was met with a mixture of jeers and applause from the crowd. Morant was issued a suspension from the league for displaying a firearm on an Instagram Live broadcast, and this was his first game action since the punishment was handed down. In the past, Morant had been suspended for waving a gun, and this was the second suspension of this kind that he had received.
When Morant made his first contact with the ball at the opening of the game, he was exposed to a substantial amount of jeering from the other players. He was eventually fouled while he was driving to the basket, which was the final event.
While he was making his way to the free throw line, he was met with additional jeers from the crowd. In spite of this, he was able to make one of his two shots, which ultimately led to him scoring his first point of the season.
There were a total of seven points, three assists, one block, and one rebound that were completed by the player who is 24 years old throughout the first half of the game. He played for sixteen minutes and shot three of eight from the field during that time.
According to a report by the Associated Press, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins lauded Morant’s efforts to collaborate with his teammates throughout his suspension. Jenkins made this statement prior to the game that took place on Tuesday night. Morant’s efforts included participating in practices and participating in video conferences with players while they were playing.
Our core team has welcomed back a member who is also one of our leaders. This individual has returned to us. The group is energized and prepared to get started. It has been said by Jenkins that “I’m fired up.” Ever since the beginning of the season, he has been putting in a considerable amount of effort and has been spending as much time as he can with the club.
To be able to watch him go out there and simply enjoy himself is something that I could not be more excited about. The next thing that Jenkins said was, “That is something that he and I have discussed.” Take advantage of this chance to get back out on the court and focus on creating a strong connection with your teammates. Simply put, make the most of this opportunity.
As a result of his participation in treatment and engaging in self-reflection activities, Morant has developed into a more well-rounded individual, as he indicated on Friday.
It was reported that the two-time All-Star made statements to media on Friday, in which he remarked, “I feel like I learned some stuff about myself during that process.”Unquestionably illuminating. I have gained a new perspective on life as a result of the manner in which I carry myself and the method in which I go about my mundane daily chores.