Two-time All-Star guard Ja Morant was welcomed back Wednesday night with a standing ovation and cheers throughout the arena in his first action after missing nine games — eight because of an NBA suspension.
Morant, who was not in the starting lineup against the Houston Rockets, entered the game after a timeout with 3:05 left in the first quarter, replacing starter Tyus Jones. The cheers began to build as Morant rose from the bench and made his way to the scorer's table, adjusting the specially fit mask from a previous nasal fracture.
“This was something he brought to the table as well as it's been on my mind,” Jenkins said before the game. “So, we collectively thought this was the best strategy at least for the first one or two games. Then we will kind of reevaluate after that.” That earned Morant a sit-down with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and $669,000 in pay for the suspension in which the league ruled his conduct was"detrimental to the league.”
That came Wednesday night. Jenkins said the star guard probably would play between 20 and 25 minutes.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Mavericks star Kyrie Irving rips critics of Ja Morant, claims Grizzlies guard faced 'overload of judgment'Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said the team is 'hopeful' that Ja Morant will be medically cleared in time to return to the court for a Wednesday night game against the Rockets.
Read more »
Ja Morant apologizes again after NBA suspension for mistakesMemphis star guard Ja Morant says he obviously made a terrible decision and many mistakes.
Read more »
NBA star Ja Morant insists he 'never had an alcohol problem,' sought help for stress managementMemphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant spoke publicly for the first time since his gun controversy cost him eight games of the 2022-23 season.
Read more »
Two Star H.S. Athletes Killed In Sledding Crash At Colorado Ski ResortDylan Bazzell and Drew Fehr -- two star athletes from Prairie Central in Illinois -- were tragically killed during their spring break after a sledding accident at a Colorado ski resort.
Read more »
Jehane Thomas, TikTok Star and Mother of Two, Dead at 30TikTok star Jehane Thomas has died at 30 after suffering from painful migraines for several months.
Read more »
Knicks Have Potential To Make Separate Trades For Two Star-Level PlayersKnicks Have Potential To Make Separate Trades For Two Star-Level Players - RealGM Wiretap
Read more »