Reality is stranger than fiction. We very rarely see a movie come to life in real time. But Ja Morant returning to the NBA was exactly that. Cinema. And this story had all the typical elements of a blockbuster. A hero – downtrodden, a victim of his past mistakes, called out for hurting his teammates. A dire situation for his side and the urgency of victory was paramount. And like any good superhero, #12 came through. All the world his stage and Morant was ready to paint his masterpiece. Due to his ridiculous performance, the entirety of the NBA world was immediate in singing his praises.

But, like any good story, we must start at the beginning. Morant came into the league without much fanfare. However, in two quick years, he was among the most electrifying men in the entire sport. Simultaneously, his brilliance had catapulted the Memphis Grizzlies into a dangerous team. But then, tragedy struck.

Due to consecutive mishaps involving the show of guns on his IG live, Ja’s name was in the mud. After a thorough investigation, the NBA would suspend Morant for 25 games to begin the year, one of the largest suspensions in league history. During his time off, his team would falter to a 6-19 start.

As a result, Charles Barkley was pointing the finger at Morant for “handcuffing” his team. So, in a return performance for the ages, the 2-time All-Star had to remind folks exactly who he was. And boy, did he ever. Leading the game in points, he was sensational in every sense of the word.

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Despite a double-digit deficit, he would continue to persevere, draining shot after shot to bring his team back to a tie. With less than 10 seconds on the clock, Ja went for the oldest superhero move in the NBA book. “Give me the ball, and get out of my way.”

A spin move later, the comeback was officially complete. Not for the game, for Morant. As the cheers poured on inside the arena from fans and teammates alike, his stage was far bigger than the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.

Instead, the NBA world, with former legends, were all witnesses to his greatness.

Ja Morant soaks in the adoration of the world

Whether it was long-time Ja supporters like Gilbert Arenas or fans like Kevin Garnett, everyone was spellbound by his brilliance. Celtics legend Kendrick Perkins, too, was on board the hype train. “Welcome back Ja MF Morant!!! The game missed you young fella. Carry the hell on…” 

Arenas, in particular, was in a mood, pointing to some hilarious reactions to prove his point about Morant. With his return, the Grizzlies looked like an entirely different team, suddenly very alive for the rest of the season. And to commemorate the feat, Gilbert brought out an old classic.

Perhaps, like KG said, the “Ja effect” is indeed real. But, Barkley explained earlier in the day, his road to redemption isn’t going to be easy. The first step, however, is an instant success. The sequel, a homecoming return, promises to be even better.

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