MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant returned to action Friday night against the Utah Jazz after missing the previous 10 games with a right calf strain.
Morant was in the starting lineup against Utah. He last played in Memphis’ 108-100 loss at Cleveland on Nov. 15, scoring seven points in six minutes. He is averaging 17.9 points and 7.6 assists in 12 games this season.
The scoring average is well below his career average of 22.4 points. His shooting percentages, both overall and from three-point range, are also down.
Memphis went 7-3 during his absence and the 10-game stretch was the longest Morant has missed this season. He sat out one game with right ankle soreness and was suspended by the team for one game after criticizing the coaching staff.
The six-foot-two guard is in his seventh season in the NBA, all with the Grizzlies. He was the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft after the New Orleans Pelicans selected Zion Williamson.
