In an electrifying NBA showcase held in London, Ja Morant, the dynamic guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, made a triumphant return to action, steering his team to a resounding 126-109 victory against the Orlando Magic. This remarkable performance, following a six-game absence due to injury, underscored his pivotal role and the Grizzlies' formidable potential. The event not only highlighted athletic prowess but also brought together basketball luminaries, adding to its celebratory atmosphere.
Morant's Return Ignites Grizzlies in London Spectacle
On a memorable Sunday, January 18, 2026, in the vibrant city of London, England, basketball enthusiasts witnessed a stellar comeback as Ja Morant, after recovering from a right calf contusion, led the Memphis Grizzlies to a decisive 126-109 triumph over the Orlando Magic. Morant's performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he notched 24 points and a personal season-best of 13 assists. His efficiency was notable, hitting 7 of 13 shots from the field and an impressive 3 of 4 from beyond the arc, marking only his 19th appearance of the season.
From the game's opening moments, Morant demonstrated his All-Star form, orchestrating six assists within the first six minutes. By halftime, he had already amassed 20 points and 10 assists in just 15 minutes, propelling the Grizzlies to a commanding 72-53 lead. Memphis extended its dominance with a 23-7 run in the second quarter, building a 33-point advantage, although Orlando managed to narrow the gap with a 23-9 run before the break.
The Grizzlies, learning from past experiences of squandering leads, maintained their composure in the second half. Despite a brief surge by the Magic, initiated by Anthony Black's three-pointer at the start of the third quarter, Memphis consistently pushed its lead beyond 20 points, effectively sealing their victory. Jock Landale was a key contributor off the bench for the Grizzlies, adding 21 points and eight rebounds, while Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 17 points and five rebounds. Rookie Cedric Coward also chipped in with 13 points.
For the Orlando Magic, who had previously defeated Memphis 118-111 in Berlin, Anthony Black led the scoring with 19 points and six assists. Wendell Carter Jr. secured 18 points and seven rebounds, and Paolo Banchero contributed 16 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds. Franz Wagner also scored 14 points.
The London matchup had the grandeur of an All-Star Game, with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in attendance, alongside basketball legends such as Isaiah Thomas, Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, Pau Gasol, and Detlef Schrempf, all contributing to the event's high-profile atmosphere.
Morant's return is a clear testament to his resilience and unmatched skill. His ability to immediately impact the game at such a high level, especially after an injury, speaks volumes about his dedication and leadership. For the Grizzlies, this victory is not just another win; it's a statement of intent, signaling their potential to be a formidable force in the league. For fans, it's a reminder of the sheer joy and excitement that elite basketball talent brings to the global stage.