SALT LAKE CITY — Ja Morant made a significant impact in his comeback game, recording 22 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds, leading the Memphis Grizzlies to a narrow 126-124 win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday evening.
Morant’s participation was limited last season, as he played in only nine games due to a 25-game league suspension, followed by a shoulder injury that ended his season prematurely. Santi Aldama emerged as a standout performer with 27 points, while teammate Desmond Bane contributed an additional 24 points to the Grizzlies’ effort.
On the other side, Lauri Markkanen was exceptional for the Jazz, scoring 35 points and grabbing nine rebounds. Jordan Clarkson also played a key role off the bench, adding 17 points and seven assists, while Walker Kessler made his presence felt with 16 points and 14 rebounds.
The Jazz mounted a comeback by erasing a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter, leveling the score at 116 with a tip-in from Kessler with just under three minutes remaining. However, Aldama responded with two consecutive baskets to ensure the Grizzlies maintained their lead.
Key observations from the game include Memphis’s proficiency from beyond the arc, with Aldama, Bane, and Jay Huff contributing significantly to the team’s overall total of 17 three-pointers.
Meanwhile, the Jazz struggled with ball handling, tallying 16 turnovers through the first three quarters, which resulted in 22 points for the Grizzlies, hampering Utah’s attempts to gain momentum until the final quarter.
In a notable moment, Utah managed to spring back from a 17-point deficit in the first half to take a slim 105-104 lead with 6:45 remaining on the clock, fueled by a 17-3 scoring run that saw Taylor Hendricks and Markkanen play pivotal roles.
One of the surprising stats of the evening was Jay Huff, who scored 13 points on 4-of-6 shooting, marking his first time reaching double digits in scoring in two seasons and just the fourth occurrence in his NBA career.
Looking ahead, the Grizzlies are set to travel to Houston for their next game on Friday, while the Jazz will be preparing to face the Golden State Warriors at home on the same night.