109-126: Ja Morant returns, Grizzlies having fun in London

After a first-round tie in Berlin, the Memphis Grizzlies entered the second and final game of the NBA’s European Tour with the goal of evening things out. First of all, Tuomas Isalo was planning to make strong reinforcements for the match in London. Ja Morant returned to the starting lineup after missing the past six games due to injury and was rumored to be transferred during Memphis camp on the road.

It couldn’t have been otherwise, but the news of Morant’s ownership added further excitement to a game that had the nation excited about the point guard from the start. Morant responded with an exhibition from the start of the game at O2 Arena, and he kept the Grizzlies from giving the very shaky Orlando Magic (109-126) no options for 48 minutes.

The Isalo team started at full speed. High rhythm, ball movement, little bounce. Morant had six assists in six minutes and was the thermometer for the Grizzlies, who dominated the first quarter (40-23) and led by 33 points midway through the second period. The second period began with an 11-0 run at the start of the quarter, already showing glimpses of what coach Santi Aldama’s team is capable of. With the halftime scoreboard reading 72-53, Memphis never felt threatened by its advantage, and Ja Morant, who already had a double-double of 19 points and 10 assists, felt like he was having a great time on the court.

There was no further talk in the second half. Although Orlando did not play in Game 2 of the NBA European Tour, the Tennessee team remained balanced this week, adding its 18th win of the season.

Morant had 24 points, 13 assists and five rebounds in what could be his final game for the Grizzlies. Santi Aldama, who was ruled out last minute due to some discomfort, played 25 minutes and contributed nine points, five rebounds and three assists. Jock Landale, who had 21 points, and Jaren Jackson Jr., who had 17 points, also stood out in the win.

The Magic’s entire starting quintet reached double figures in scoring. Anthony Black led the way with 19 points, followed by Wendell Carter Jr. with 18 points, followed by oddball Paolo Banchero with 16 points.