The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Indiana Pacers 116-103 on Thursday night thanks to Ja Morant’s 20 points and eight assists in his first home game after serving a 25-game ban.
Memphis was led by Desmond Bane, who had 31 points and seven assists. Jaren Jackson Jr. chipped in with 21 points and seven rebounds. Morant shot 7 of 15 from 3-point range, while Bane shot 11 of 26 from the field.
Memphis was still celebrating Morant’s return after he scored 34 points and nailed the game-winning, twisting layup as time expired Tuesday night in New Orleans. The NBA suspended him for at least twice displaying a gun on social media.
Indiana was led by Obi Toppin, who scored 22 points. Tyrese Haliburton chipped in with 17 points and 14 assists, while Buddy Hield and Myles Turner both contributed 15 points.
Memphis led 86-77 entering the third quarter, extended its lead to 17 at the midway point of the fourth, and cruised to its second straight victory. On Wednesday night, the Pacers defeated the Charlotte Hornets 144-113.
The Grizzlies appeared to have a different mentality in the first half with Morant returning. Memphis was shooting 60% overall and 50% from 3-point range by the midpoint of the second quarter. The lead had grown to 22 points.
However, the Pacers used a 27-6 run to trim Memphis’ lead to 58-56 at halftime. After a pair of baskets by Haliburton early in the third, the Pacers had erased the lead.