Ja Morant wasted no time reminding everyone where he stands, both on the court and with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Returning from a six-game absence due to a right calf injury, the two-time All-Star delivered 24 points and 13 assists in a 126109 win over the Orlando Magic on Sunday in London.
More importantly, he used the moment to directly address recent speculation surrounding his future with the franchise.
Ive got a logo on my back, so that should tell you exactly where I want to be, Morant said, referring to a tattoo of the Grizzlies logo.
Morant doubled down on that message moments later.
If anybody in here knows me Im a very loyal guy, he said.
The win was a much-needed one for Memphis, marking just their third victory in the past ten games and snapping a stretch that had only intensified outside noise.
Morants return provided an immediate lift, especially after he sat out the first game of the European doubleheader in Berlin, where the Grizzlies blew a 20-point lead and lost to Orlando.
This time, there was no such collapse. Memphis jumped out to a massive first-half advantage, building a 33-point lead and never letting go.
Just being able to play basketball its very therapeutic for me, he said. I know what Im capable of out there on the court and I was able to show that tonight.
It was big-time, walking off and representing Memphis is what its all about.
The star guard credited the coaching staff and early rhythm for the dominant performance.
Thats just credit to Coach putting us in the best spots possible and then just me being Ja and wind up making the right play whether its passing or scoring, Morant said. We got into a great rhythm early, got a big lead, after that its just managing.
At 26 years old, Morant is in the third season of a five-year, $197.2 million contract and is earning roughly $39.4 million this season, tying him firmly to the franchises long-term vision.
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