Ja Morant’s message came through loud and clear – on the court first, even before the microphones. In the Memphis Grizzlies’ 126-109 win over the Orlando Magic in London, the No. 12 delivered an authoritative performance in his return from injury, putting an end – at least verbally – to recent speculation about his future….
Ja Morant’s message came through loud and clear – on the court first, even before the microphones. In the Memphis Grizzlies’ 126-109 win over the Orlando Magic in London, the No. 12 delivered an authoritative performance in his return from injury, putting an end – at least verbally – to recent speculation about his future.
After missing six games with a right calf issue, Ja Morant was back with 24 points and 13 assists, leading a team that desperately needed a spark. And he did it by reiterating a concept that, for him, shouldn’t even be up for debate: his desire to stay in Memphis.
I have the Grizzlies logo tattooed on my back. I think that says exactly where I want to be.
Ja Morant
Leadership on the floor and a clear identity
The London game immediately showcased a decisive Morant, capable of setting the tempo and involving his teammates. Memphis built a 33-point lead already in the first half, then managed the game with far more composure than in Berlin, where the Grizzlies had squandered a 20-point advantage.
Morant credited the control of the game in part to the coaching staff’s work:
Credit to the coach, who put us in the best possible position. I just did what I do: read the game and make the right decision, pass or score.
Ja Morant
The return the Grizzlies needed
The win over Orlando marked just the third victory in the last ten games for Memphis, but Morant’s return had an immediate impact. Not only in the box score, but in the energy he injected into a struggling team.
At 26, Morant remains the technical and emotional centerpiece of the Grizzlies’ project, despite a season marked by stops and inconsistency. And even far from home, his bond with the franchise came through clearly.
Playing basketball is therapeutic for me. Feeling the support from the fans, not just in Memphis but also here, is something huge.
Ja Morant
Loyalty reaffirmed, on and off the court
Asked directly about trade rumors, Morant chose a personal, almost identity-driven response:
People who know me know I’m a loyal person. That logo on my back isn’t random.
Ja Morant
A message that goes beyond a single game and reinforces the idea of continuity between Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies, also in light of his contract: approximately $39.4 million this season, the third year of a five-year, $197.2 million deal.
As Memphis tries to bring order back to its season, the return of its leader – and his words – represent a clear point of stability.
