Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant was back in the lineup on Nov. 3 against the Detroit Pistons following a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team.
Although he was back in uniform and at FedExForum, he didn’t look like his usual energized self. He was quiet and more reserved. When teammate Vince Williams Jr. and Pistons wing Ausar Thompson were issued technical fouls after needing to be separated, the Grizzlies’ bench stood up.
Not Morant, and that’s unlike him. He may be listed at 6-foot-2, but he may as well be a giant when it comes to standing up for his teammates in moments like that.
The Grizzlies lost to the Pistons 114-106. Morant wasn’t happy with his five turnovers, and the usual vibrant playing style with infectious energy wasn’t there.
When asked if he has his usual joy right now, he gave a direct answer that was already apparent by his body language.
“No,” Morant said.
When asked what needs to happen to get it back, Morant simply said: “We’ll see.”
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.