Ja Morant reacts to his Grizzlies return / News - Basketnews.com

Ja Morant admitted that the Grizzlies fans' support meant and helped him a lot.

Credit: USA TODAY Sports/Scanpix Credit USA TODAY Sports/Scanpix

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant returned to the court after his 8-game suspension, making a solid impact coming off the bench.

Player of the Game EFF 35 Jaren Jackson Jr. Points 37 Accuracy 14-20 Rebounds 10 Assists 2

In a 130-125 win against the Houston Rockets, Morant finished the game with 17 points (6/11 2PT, 0/2 3PT, 5/6 FT), 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 2 turnovers in 24 minutes.

Memphis crowd gave Morant a standing ovation when he checked into the game. The fans gave another standing ovation after his first points.

"It meant a lot, man," Morant said after the game. "Obviously, I'm thankful and grateful for everybody who's been supporting me during this time. It definitely helped me a lot, definitely made me feel a little better. Eased everything that was going on. Felt good to be back. Super excited. Glad we were able to get the win."

Just like fans, Morant's teammates were as excited.

"I was cheesin'," said Jaren Jackson Jr. "I couldn't hold it in for real."

Morant suggested coming off the bench due to the Grizzlies' success during his absence.

Memphis won six of the past seven games without Morant, asTyus Jonesexcelled while filling in as the starting point guard.

"I didn't want to come back and mess any of that chemistry up," Morant said. "Obviously, I was watching the film once my time was getting closer to being back, watching how they were playing. Obviously, it's different from watching and actually being out there."

"So getting back into the flow, getting back into the offense. Also, getting back comfortable with everything. My mental is very important to me, which was one reason why," Morant added.

Morant's 3-year-old daughter Kaari, his father Tee, and uncle Phil were sitting courtside, wearing custom-made hoodies with "REDEMPTION" on the front.

"That was my family's idea," Morant said. "It's me coming back after some negative things have been said constantly throughout this whole basically, what, year and a half now. How I felt? Kind of like redemption, obviously. It could have been worse. I got a second chance. I feel like it's only going to make it right. Show who Ja is as a person."

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