starbet777 NBA: Ja Morant dazzles in return, Grizzlies beat Trail Blazers
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) shows ahead of Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (9) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
MEMPHIS, Tennessee — Ja Morant had 22 points and 11 assists in his return to the lineup after missing eight games with a hip injury, leading the Memphis Grizzlies to a 123-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night.
Morant shot 6 fo 12 from the field, including 2 for 3 from 3-point range. Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 21 points, and Santi Aldama finished with 13 points and a career-high 17 rebounds.
Article continues after this advertisementDeni Avdija led Portland with 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Shaedon Sharpe added 15 points for the Trail Blazers, who lost for the third time in four games.
FEATURED STORIES SPORTS Fiba Asia Cup-bound Gilas now focused on winning away from home SPORTS ‘Work to be done,’ says Juami after landing with Beermen in Dyip deal SPORTS Borisa Simanic, who lost his kidney, helps Serbia qualify for EuroBasket READ: NBA: Grizzlies handle Lakers despite Ja Morant injury TakeawaysTrail Blazers: Due to poor shooting, Portland trailed by double digits in the first half. The Trail Blazers closed within six points in he third quarter, but got no closer after a Memphis burst. Portland shot 34 for 102 (33%) overall.
Grizzlies: 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.
Article continues after this advertisement READ: NBA: Ja Morant’s triple-double propels Grizzlies past Bucks Key momentMorant 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.
Article continues after this advertisement Key statPortland was 4 of 42 from 3-point range in a Nov. 10 loss to Memphis. Things weren’t much better in Monday’s loss as Portland made only three of its 20 shots from outside the arc in the first half. And finished the game 8 of 46 from beyond the arc.
Up nextPortland plays the Pacers in Indiana on Wednesday. Memphis hosts Detroit on Wednesday.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
