Grizzlies' Ja Morant Comments On Suspension Following Wednesday's Game

Following his first game back from an eight-game suspension, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant spoke to the media.

Ja Morant returned to the basketball court for the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night, his first game back since being suspended by the NBA for his gun-related incident.

Playing against the Houston Rockets, Morant came off-the-bench for the first time in his career and ended up tallying 17 points, five assists and four rebounds in 24 minutes of play. 

The Grizzlies came away with a 130-125 victory and when he checked into the game for the first time, Morant was greeted with plenty of cheers and applause from the Grizzlies' faithful in FedEx Forum.

Standing ovation as Ja Morant checks in for the first time since March 3 💙 Memphis lovesssss this man! pic.twitter.com/rLSb7CreU5

— KJ (@kelwright) March 23, 2023

After the game, Morant spoke to the media about what returning to the floor meant to him and how his suspension has changed him. 

"I'm thankful and grateful for everybody. Who has been supporting me during this time," Morant said as he got choked up. "It definitely helped me a lot. It definitely made me feel a little better, eased everything that's going on. It felt good to be back, super excited, glad we were able to get the win."

The young Grizzlies star went on to talk about how he meditated before the game to calm his mind and emotions. 

"Yeah man, it was... I don't know, I can't even put it into words," Morant stated. "You know I'm kind of numb right now, but thankful for everybody." 

Serving an eight-game suspension, this was Ja Morant's first game back on the floor since March 3, as he had stepped away from the team to seek the help he needed. 

While he was away from the Grizzlies, Morant had entered into a counseling program to help cope with his stress and as he described, his "overall well-being." 

"How I felt? Kind of like a redemption," Morant explained in regards to being back with the team. "It could have been worse. I got a second chance, and I felt like it's only to make it right, to show who Ja is as a person, and that's my family's message with the hoodie."

His father, Tee Morant, and his uncle were in attendance for Wednesday's game wearing matching hoodies with Ja's image on them and in big letters, the hoodies said: REDEMPTION.

The Memphis Grizzlies have been very supportive of Morant, offering him their own counseling and help through his return process and his teammates have been very receptive of his return. 

"It's still an ongoing process, but continuing to get back comfortable with everything. I'm thankful for the support I had helping me get there quicker."

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