Skip Bayless says Ja Morant makes the Grizzlies ‘a completely different team’… but warns he must celebrate ‘maturely’ because the NBA ‘needs you to be a superstar’
Skip Bayless fired off several tweets in response to Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant's stunning return to the court and game-winning basket against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday.
Morant recorded 34 points, eight assists and six rebounds, along with the game-winning shot to secure a 115-113 victory for the Grizzlies.
'YES MORANT IS BACK. WHAT A MATCH. WHAT AN ENDING. (Now I just hope he stays.),” Bayless said in his first tweet before firing off two more.
“Ja Morant has turned Memphis into a completely different basketball team. He was a team-high +12. Every minute he played was a problem for the Pels. His stamina in game form was incredible. His courage to drive it for the race winner was a sight to behold. WHAT A RETURN.”
'Celebrate it, yes, but do it in a mature way. This team, this league, needs you to be a superstar, both on and off the field. You are so capable. Welcome back.'
Skip Bayless fired off several tweets in response to Ja Morant's stunning return to the court
Morant returned from his 25-game suspension, scoring 34 points and hitting the game winner
The Grizzlies, who were on a five-game losing streak, were 6-19 during Morant's 25-game suspension.
In a close game, the Pelicans tied the score late before the teams traded missed three-pointers. Morant then hit the decisive winner.
He was heartily booed by partisan Pelicans fans during the pregame introductions and also when he handled the ball on the opening possession.
Those boos died down as the game wore on, and some of the visiting fans near the Memphis bench made themselves heard as Morant scored an explosive eight points — twice making difficult driving shots when he was fouled — in a span of 1:20 early in the match. third quarter.
Those watching Morant's comeback included LSU Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels, who sat next to Tigers star receiver Malik Nabers in the front row next to the New Orleans bench.
Bayless said the Grizzlies are a different team with Morant and the league needs him
Although Morant looked winded at times and didn't hit many jumpers, his ability to drive into the paint – and finish – seemed undiminished.
After the match, Morant said: 'I'm a dog, I'm a dog. I have put work into people. I haven't played a game in eight months and have had a lot of time to educate myself.
“A lot of tough days that I've been through, but basketball is my life, which I love, therapeutic for me and I'm just excited to be back.”
Asked about the game-winning play, he said, “I really didn't want the coach to call the timeout. That's why I told him… yes, that's the piece I wanted to play there.
'They believed in me. I actually wanted to go to the post office, but they said no, so I had to deliver for them.'