Ja Morant makes triumphant return with double-double in Grizzlies victory after 8-game absence

Morant was efficient, shooting 50% from the field and knocking down 2 of his 3 attempts from beyond the arc. Jaren Jackson Jr. had a strong scoring performance, finishing with 21 points. Santi Aldama was impressive with 13 points and a career-high 17 rebounds.

Morant’s return increased the pace of the Grizzlies’ offense, among the fastest in the league, even though they were limited in fast-break points.

The two-time All-Star made a 3-pointer near the close of the first half, heaving a shot from three-quarters court that banked in. But the shot was after the second quarter horn, leaving Memphis leading 65-54 at the break.