Up to date Dec. 13, 2025, 8:23 a.m. CT
- Ja Morant returned to the courtroom after a 10-game absence, however the Grizzlies misplaced to the Jazz 130-126.
- Morant completed with 21 factors and 10 assists in 25 minutes however said the workforce “performed comfortable.”
- The Grizzlies had been outrebounded 58-49, resulting in a 24-14 drawback in second-chance factors.
- Regardless of the loss, Grizzlies guard Cam Spencer had a robust efficiency, scoring 20 factors on good 3-point taking pictures.
Ja Morant’s first pregame introduction in FedExForum since Nov. 9 drew a loud response from the house crowd towards the Utah Jazz.
After lacking 10 video games as a result of a proper calf pressure, the Grizzlies level guard was again on Dec. 12.
As anticipated, Memphis seemed higher offensively with Morant on the ground. Nonetheless, with 7-foot-3 heart Zach Edey out, the protection wasn’t as promising.
The Grizzlies loss 130-126 towards the Jazz.
Memphis (11-14) misplaced every of its earlier video games to groups with a present document of .500 or higher. Utah (9-15) is the primary Memphis loss this season that doesn’t match that standards.
“We must always’ve received,” Morant stated. “We performed comfortable. They outrebounded us, we let guys come off the bench and make a distinction, we let their star guys just about be comfy. We bought to be higher. I bought to be higher.”
Memphis misplaced the rebounding battle 58-49. In consequence, Utah had a 24-14 benefit in second-chance factors.
Keyonte George scored a career-high 39 factors to guide Utah. Lauri Markkanen added 26 factors.
Memphis led by as many as 12 factors earlier than Utah went on a 29-7 run that began halfway via the third quarter.
Ja Morant’s spoiled return
Morant has had a front-row seat to the Grizzlies’ success in current video games. Whereas some gamers can seamlessly insert themselves into the equation, it’s normally harder for a degree guard who runs the present.
Morant completed with 21 factors and 10 assists whereas taking part in a restricted 25 minutes as a result of restrictions.
When requested by reporters after the sport in regards to the meshing course of along with his recreation and the best way the workforce has been taking part in, Morant had quite a bit to say.
“My trustworthy reply, I’m going to maintain to myself,” he stated.
Then, Morant paused for about three seconds of silence and adjusted his reply.
“Simply looking for my spots inside that,” Morant. “Once we transfer the ball quite a bit, we usually get good photographs. Simply discovering my area of interest and spots inside the offense just about.”
Morant’s return could have been spoiled by a loss, however his teammates had been completely satisfied to have him again within the fold.
“When he’s not on the courtroom, it’s not splendid,” Jaren Jackson Jr. stated. “It’s not a vibe. It sucks. When he’s on the courtroom, it’s nice.”
Correcting the struggles
Jackson completed 6-for-13 taking pictures towards Utah, however he ended the evening with simply 12 factors. That could be a good stat line for some gamers, however the Grizzlies are demanding extra out of Jackson.
Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo has talked in regards to the want for him to be extra aggressive at instances. Whereas generally it seems like Jackson continues to be adjusting to his function in a brand new offensive system, he doesn’t imagine that’s the trigger for his struggles.
“I’m simply lacking, man,” Jackson stated. “They’re the identical (photographs). It seems prefer it, type of. They is perhaps coming in numerous conditions like completely different performs and stuff like that, however you bought to have the ability to get to your spots and make it occur.”
Jackson was the first defender a number of instances when Utah ahead Kevin Love bought free and knocked down key 3-pointers within the second half. Love completed with 20 factors and 4 3-pointers off the bench.
Grizzlies reserve heart Jock Landale identified how Memphis switched up some issues with its defensive scheme, which led to some breakdowns.
“Kevin Love bought a little bit bit free on the weak aspect of the courtroom, which wasn’t actually pure for our rotations as a result of the 5 wasn’t essentially in it the entire time,” Landale stated. “We had been type of taking part in the low man.”
Cam Spencer retains taking pictures
No particular person efficiency issues extra to Cam Spencer than successful. He was 6-for-6 on 3-pointers and scored 20 factors.
Spencer served because the backup level guard behind Morant, and he had a number of stretches the place his taking pictures gave Memphis a spark.
Nearly as good of an evening as Spencer had offensively, that’s not the half he’ll be take into consideration after the loss.
“I used to be targeted extra on the defensive finish, making an attempt to get stops,” Spencer stated. “Felt like we had been very poor on that finish of the ground, so simply actually targeted on protection all evening.”
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat author for The Business Enchantment. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Comply with Damichael on X, previously generally known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
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