Ja Morant returned with authority on Saturday night in London, lifting the Memphis Grizzlies to a commanding 126–109 victory over the Orlando Magic at the O2 Arena. In the NBA’s first regular-season game in the British capital since 2019, Morant delivered a performance that combined flair with control, turning a long-awaited international showcase into a decisive statement.
The win, watched by a sold-out crowd, saw the Grizzlies erase the sting of a 118–111 loss to the Magic in Berlin earlier in the week and improve to 17–23 on the season after a recent slump.
A Star Reintroduced, in Full Command
Returning after missing six games with a right calf injury, Morant wasted little time reminding fans why he is one of the NBA’s most electric guards. In just under 29 minutes, he finished with 24 points, 13 assists, and five rebounds, operating under a strict minutes restriction set by coach Tuomas Iisalo.
The damage was largely done before halftime. Morant posted 20 points and 10 assists in the first half alone, becoming the first player in Grizzlies franchise history to register at least 20 points and 10 assists in one half. The NBA later described the sequence as “a remarkable blend of precise ball handling, elegant passes, and exceptional shooting.”
Like a conductor guiding an orchestra, Morant dictated tempo, carving up Orlando’s defence and setting teammates free with crisp, well-timed feeds.
Grizzlies Seize Control Early
Memphis set the tone immediately, surging to a 40–23 lead in the opening quarter. That momentum carried into the second, where the Grizzlies stretched the margin to as many as 33 points before heading into halftime with a commanding 72–53 advantage.
Balanced scoring supported Morant’s return. Jock Landale delivered 21 points and eight rebounds, asserting himself in the paint, while Jaren Jackson Jr. added 17 points as Memphis controlled both ends of the floor.
Magic Rally Falls Short
Orlando showed resilience after the break, matching Memphis point-for-point in the third quarter and trimming the deficit to 17 points late in the fourth. But the early hole proved too deep, and missed chances from long range—10-of-33 from three-point territory—halted any serious comeback.
Anthony Black led the Magic with 19 points, while Wendell Carter Jr. contributed 18 points and seven rebounds. All-Star forward Paolo Banchero flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 16 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds on a difficult shooting night.
London Stage Signals NBA’s Global Push
This fixture marked the NBA’s 10th regular-season game in London and underscored the league’s ongoing push into international markets. With European crowds responding enthusiastically, the NBA has already confirmed future regular-season games in cities such as Paris, Manchester, and Berlin from 2027 onwards.
For fans in Malta and across Europe, the London contest offered a front-row glimpse of the league’s elite talent, without crossing the Atlantic.
What Comes Next
The Grizzlies will return to Memphis to host the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, hoping Morant’s return marks a turning point in their season. Orlando, meanwhile, heads home to face the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday, searching for consistency after an uneven European swing.
On a night designed to celebrate the NBA’s global reach, it was Morant—healthy, composed, and spectacular—who claimed the spotlight, reminding London why he remains one of basketball’s most compelling attractions.
