On Tuesday night in New Orleans, Ja Morant did not receive a warm welcome.

Morant received a mixed reaction from the pro-Pelicans fans at Smoothie King Centre as he returned to the Grizzlies following a 25-game suspension, with the boos being substantially louder than the cheers.

Morant received jeers and applause when he was presented before the game in his first game action since being suspended by the league for flashing a fireаrm on an Instagram Live – the second such suspension Morant received for brandishing a pistol.

Morant was booed loudly when he touched the ball for the first time and was finally fouled as he drove to the hoop.

More booing greeted him as he approached the free-throw line, where he made one of two attempts for his first point of the season.

The 24-year-old played 16 minutes in the first half, scoring seven points on three of eight field goal attempts, as well as three assists, one block, and one rebound.

According to the Associated Press, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins praised Morant’s efforts to work with his teammates throughout his suspension, including at practices and video conferencing with players during games, prior to Tuesday night’s game.

“We regain one of our leaders, one of our key players.” The team is pumped. “I am pumped,” Jenkins remarked. “He is put in a lot of work since the beginning of the season, and he is been around the team as much as he can.”

“I am really looking forward to seeing him go out there and just have fun.” That is something he and I have discussed,” Jenkins added. “Build chemistry with your teammates and just enjoy this opportunity to be back out on the floor.”

Morant stated on Friday that therapy and self-reflection have helped him become a better person.

“I feel like I learned some stuff about myself during that process,” the two-time All-Star said Friday. “This was very eye-opening.” It is given me a new perspective on life in terms of how I go about my days and how I carry myself.