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Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant added to his highlight video Wednesday by giving a young fan courtside seats, an autographed jersey and his sneakers after his team’s signed ball was stolen at a I play earlier in the week.
‘[My] Highlights of tonight,” Morant, 23, tweeted along with a photo and video of the postgame encounter following Memphis’ 135-129 win over the visiting San Antonio Spurs.
Ellie Hughes, an 11-year-old Grizzlies fan, was trying to get Morant’s attention for an autograph at Monday’s game against San Antonio when two people stole her special ball. Hughes, of Forrest City, Arkansas, had collected player signatures on the ball for the past six years while she attended games with her grandfather.
Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant added to his highlight video Wednesday by giving a young fan courtside seats, an autographed jersey and his sneakers after his team’s signed ball was stolen at a I play earlier in the week. Ellie Hughes, an 11-year-old Grizzlies fan, is seen with her and Morant’s father after Wednesday’s win.
As reported by Memphis’ News 5, the alleged theft took place when Hughes left his ball on his seat while trying to get Morant’s autograph.
“When my grandfather was walking over there to see what was going on, they started walking away or running at high speed,” Hughes said.
The autographs on the ball included signatures from Grizzlies players like Dillon Brooks, [Ziaire] Williams, Jaren Jackson Jr., David Roddy, and Danny Green.
Learning of his plight via social media, Morant reached out to his family, inviting them to Wednesday night’s rematch against the Spurs, then giving him his game-used jersey and Nike Ja 1 shoes, which have not yet been released to the public.
Learning of his plight via social media, Morant reached out to his family, inviting them to Wednesday night’s rematch against the Spurs, then giving him his game-used jersey and Nike Ja 1 shoes, which have not yet been released to the public.
“It’s something I love to do,” Morant said of his warm gesture. You touch someone’s heart like that. A huge Grizzlies fan for years. It’s moments like that that mean the most to them. Something they will never forget.
The post-game courtside chat also included Hughes’ father, who later gave his reaction on Twitter.
“You are my HERO for life now!” The Hughes elder, Adam, tweeted at Morant. ‘Father to father, it was amazing what you did for my daughter tonight. We will never forget him!! Thanks and to you (sic) a whole family man!! You are (sic) sister, dad and mom all so nice! Your (sic) dad made sure I was taken care of tonight!!’
Morant’s father, Tee, is a regular darling at Grizzlies games and is recognizable to much of the fan base.
Hughes received the Ja 1 Nike shoes, which have yet to be released to the public.
The postgame courtside chat also included Hughes’ father, who gave his reaction on Twitter.
Morant also put on a show, scoring 38 points as the Grizzlies beat San Antonio for their season-high eighth straight win.
The star guard, who missed the previous two games with soreness in his right thigh, was 14 of 25 from the field, including 3 of 5 from 3-point range. He also connected with a right-handed hammer on Spurs center Jakob Poeltl with 3:35 left to help Memphis hold on to its lead.
Meanwhile, on Twitter, Morant was being hailed as a hero.
“That’s cool Ha,” wrote one fan. “I have worked in the entertainment industry for thirty years and you are a superstar who gets it. Your parents did a wonderful job raising you. I’m so proud that you play for the @memgrizz! Keep going, young man!
‘You are the definition of class,’ added another. “You go out of your way to be nice to others and that’s how everyone should be. We need more people like you in this crazy world we live in.
Morant, who missed the previous two games with soreness in his right thigh, was 14 of 25 from the field, including 3 of 5 from 3-point range. He also connected with a right-handed hammer on Spurs center Jakob Poeltl with 3:35 left to help Memphis hold on to its lead.