Ja Morant returned rust-free after an eight-game absence to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 123-98 route of the visiting Portland Trailblazers on Monday Nov. 25.
It was the third consecutive win for the Grizzlies (11-7).
Morant led all scorers with 22 points on 6-12 shooting, including 2-3 from long range. The sixth-year guard also dished out 12 assists for the Grizzlies in his first game back from a hip abductor injury. As a team, the Grizzlies totalled 35 assists for the night.
However, it was Morant’s defense on Anfernee Simons that drew praise from above.
“I think our discipline and our closeout is a little bit better. There’s sometimes where we’re not getting out there with urgency, or we’re not pressing upon them. I think a lot of it is our point-of-attack defense,” said Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins. “You see what Ja can do tonight, when he takes on Simons, who’s a dynamic scorer.”
Portland’s third leading scorer, who currently averages 16.3 points per game, was held to five points on 2-14 shooting, including one of seven from downtown. As a team, the Trailblazers went 8-46 from three-point territory. Overall, they connected on a slim 34-102 attempts, shooting at a 33.3% clip for the game.
“That was me and the coach’s number one topic coming into the season. Most people consider me one of the most athletic guards. There is no way I should not be able to guard on that end of the floor,” said Morant.
Jenkins sat Morant after 23 minutes of play.
Grizzlies’ Ja Morant (12) attempts a jump shot from the corner of the key over Portland’s Anfernee Simons (1). 
Grizzly sharpshooter Luke Kennard looks for options as Portland’s Delano Banton closes in during the Nov. 25 game. 
Grizzlies starters Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant are introduced before the Monday, Nov. 25 matchup against Portland. 
Desmond Bane looks to inbound the ball against the Trailblazers on Monday, Nov. 25.
Marcus Smart also rejoined the Grizzlies after a four-game absence with a sprained right ankle. The guard provided 19 minutes off the bench as he works his was back from injury, contributing six points, four assists, along with two steals.
“It definitely was tough, especially just sitting there. But like I said, I have been doing this for a long time, so I got to balance it out and keep myself going and let myself know that I need to take it slow, take it one-step at a time. There is no need to rush back out there, so just do what you do.”
Memphis guards GG Jackson and Vince Williams, Jr., and center Zach Edey sat out out with injuries.
The Trailblazers have also been beset by ailments. A total of seven players sat out the night’s contest, including centers Andre Ayton and 2024 first-round pick Donovan Clingin.
It was the absence of an inside presence that allowed Memphis to score efficiently – and feast on the boards. Overall, the Grizzlies enjoyed a 60-44 rebounding margin. Backup power forward Santi Aldama gathered 17 rebounds, a game high. The Spaniard also chipped 11 points.
Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson provided front court scoring balance, with 21 points on 8-12 shooting. Center Brandon Clark scored 11 points and nine rebounds, while backup Jay Huff added 12 points.
Portland was led by Deni Avidja’s 17 points off the bench. Sheaedon Sharp led the visiting starters with 15 points.
After going into the half with a 65-54 deficit, Portland cut the Grizzlies’ lead to six points with 9:19 remaining in the third quarter. It was the closest margin. Memphis began the following quarter with a 92-75 lead. In the fourth quarter, Portland was outscored 31-23.
With the return of a starter and a major rotational player, Jenkins has bittersweet decisions to make regarding player minutes. In Morant and Smart’s absence, Scottie Pippen Jr. and Jaylen Wells have been playing at a high level.
During the Grizzlies last game against the Chicago Bulls on Sunday, Nov. 23, Pippen scored 30 points and 10 assists to lead all players in both categories. Wells scored 26 points with six three-pointers. Memphis won the high-scoring affair 142-131.
The Grizzlies host the Detroit Pistons (8-11, 4-6 away) at the Fed Ex Forum on Wednesday, Nov. 27. Tipoff is at 7 p.m.
