Ja Morant did not get the most positive reception in New Orleans on Tuesday night.
In his return to the Grizzlies after a 25-game suspension, Morant got a mixed reaction from the pro-Pelicans crowd at Smoothie King Center, though the boos sounded significantly louder than the cheers.
In Morant’s first game action since he was hit with the league ban for flashing a firearm on an Instagram Live — the second such suspension Morant had for brandishing a gun — the point guard got a mix of jeers and cheers as he was introduced before the game, per video from ESPN reporter Marc Spears.
As the game got underway, Morant was booed heavily as he touched the ball for the first time and was eventually fouled as he drove to the basket.
He was met with more boos from the crowd as he went to the free-throw line, where he made 1 of 2 shots for his first point of the season.
The 24-year-old logged 16 minutes in the first half, recording seven points on 3 of 8 shooting from the field to go along with three assists, one block and one rebound.
Before Tuesday night’s game, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins lauded Morant’s effort to work with his teammates during the suspension, including at practices and video chatting with players during games, per the Associated Press.
“We get one of our leaders back, one of our core players. The team’s fired up. I’m fired up,” Jenkins said. “He’s put in a lot of work since the start of the season, been around the team as much as he could.
“Super excited to see him go out there and just have fun. That’s what he and I have talked about,” Jenkins added. “Build chemistry with your teammates and just enjoy this opportunity to be back out on the floor.”
On Friday, Morant said therapy and self-reflection have helped make him a better person.
“I feel like I learned some stuff about myself during that process,” the two-time All-Star told reporters Friday. “Very eye-opening. Kinda gave me a new look on life with how I go about my days, how I carry myself.
“Just being grateful and thankful that I’m still here in the position that I’m in.”
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