DALLAS — Memphis Grizzlies fans were breathing a collective sigh of relief Monday night after Ja Morant spoke to media following the Grizzlies' preseason win over the Dallas Mavericks, 121-116.
Morant, who played just nine games in 2023-2024 and hasn't played more than 63 games in a season since his rookie year in 2019-2020, appeared hobbled as he left the game in the third quarter with what looked like an ankle injury.
After the game, he told the media he was "good."
"It's preseason, man," Morant said, adding to reports that his exit from the game was precautionary.
This was after the former NBA All-Star displayed high energy in his first game action since January 15, 2024, dropping 13 points, four rebounds and three assists in 18 minutes.
Brandon Clarke, returning for his first full season since an Achilles tear sidelined him for a full year in March, 2023, added 17 points from the bench as the Grizzlies beat the Mavericks 121-116.
5'8" Japanese sensation Yuki Kawamura added five points in nine minutes of game action, recording the highest plus/minus among bench players at +6.
The Grizzlies head to FedExForum for their first preseason game of the year Thursday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.
