Overview:
A big bounce-back after loss in NBA Berlin game.
The Memphis Grizzlies did more than beat the Orlando Magic 126–109 in the NBA London Game. They reintroduced themselves, and at the center of it was Ja Morant, back on the floor after a six game absence that had been filled with trade chatter, uncertainty, and a noticeable emotional distance between player and organization.
Morant’s return came with weight. His absence had coincided with some of Memphis’ most disjointed stretches of the season, and the conversations around him had shifted from basketball to speculation. London became a neutral stage, far from FedExForum, far from the noise of home, and ideal for a reset.
From the opening tip, Morant played like someone who had been waiting. There was urgency, but also calm. He pushed the tempo without forcing it, attacked gaps instead of crowds, and made quick reads that kept the offense flowing. Memphis did not look like a team figuring things out on the fly. It looked like a team that knew exactly who was driving.
The Grizzlies built control early, stretching the floor and punishing Orlando’s help defense. Morant’s downhill pressure bent the game in Memphis’ favor, opening space for shooters and creating clean lanes for cutters. The ball moved with purpose, and the energy felt collective rather than dependent. By halftime, the margin told the story, but the rhythm told it better.
The second half was less about drama and more about confirmation. Orlando made brief attempts to close the gap, but each run was met with composure. Morant did not chase highlight moments. He slowed possessions when needed, sped them up when opportunities appeared, and trusted the structure around him. It was control, not chaos.
Morant finished with 24 points and 13 assists, numbers that reflected efficiency and influence more than volume. After the game, he addressed the questions that had followed him into London.
“Anybody in here who knows me knows that I am a loyal guy, Morant said. I’ve got a logo on my back, so that should tell you exactly where I want to be.”
He also spoke about the personal side of returning after time away. “Just being able to play basketball, it’s very therapeutic for me,” Morant said. “I know what I’m capable of out there on the court and I was able to show that tonight and see the love from people I’m meeting for the first time. It was big time — just walking off and representing Memphis is what it’s all about.”
Those words matched the performance. This was not a defiant return. It was a steady one. A reminder that when Morant is engaged and present, Memphis has shape. The offense has direction. The game has clarity.
“That’s just credit to coach putting us in the best spots possible and then just me being Ja and wind up making the right play whether it’s passing or scoring,” he said. “We got into a great rhythm early, got a big lead, after that it’s just managing.”
Memphis also got timely production beyond Morant. Jock Landale delivered 21 points and 8 rebounds off the bench, providing steady offense and physicality that kept the Grizzlies in control. Jaren Jackson Jr. added 17 points and 5 rebounds, impacting the game within the flow and reinforcing Memphis’ balance on both ends.
The win in London does not erase the questions that surround this team. Trade rumors do not disappear overnight. Relationships still require work. But for one night, on an international stage, the Grizzlies found alignment between their best player and their identity.
Beyond the score, that may have been the most important result of all.
Related