In a triumphant return from injury, Ja Morant immediately stamped his authority, leading the Memphis Grizzlies to a decisive 126-109 victory over the Orlando Magic. The game took place on Monday, January 19, 2026 (Philippine Time) at the iconic O2 Arena in London, United Kingdom, marking another successful NBA regular-season fixture on international soil.
A Game Marred by an Unexpected Political Statement
The highly anticipated match, which drew a raucous crowd to the 20,000-seat venue, experienced a moment of unexpected tension before the opening tip-off. As singer Vanessa Williams performed the pre-game US national anthem, a lone protester loudly shouted, "leave Greenland alone!"
This outburst, which was met with a mixed reaction from the audience, was a direct reference to reported plans by then-US President Donald Trump concerning the autonomous Danish territory. A video of the incident quickly went viral on social media platforms, briefly overshadowing the sporting event.
Morant's Electrifying Comeback Performance
Once the game commenced, all attention swiftly returned to the court, where Ja Morant was the undeniable star. Returning from a six-game absence due to a right calf contusion, the Grizzlies' guard was in scintillating form. He finished the game with a stellar stat line of 24 points and 13 assists, controlling the tempo from the outset.
"It felt good. Especially to be able to do this -- first time playing a real overseas game ... I needed it," Morant remarked after the game, clearly pleased with his performance and the team's result.
Morant set the tone early, aggressively attacking the basket and creating opportunities for his teammates. By halftime, he had already amassed 20 points and 10 assists, helping the Grizzlies build a commanding 72-53 lead. From that point forward, Memphis controlled the game comfortably until the final buzzer.
Opposing Coach Acknowledges Defensive Nightmare
Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley conceded that Morant's unique talents presented an almost insurmountable challenge for his defense. "His speed, his intensity, his energy level, when he gets on the court he's a tough guard. He's a lightning bolt getting downhill," Mosley stated, summarizing the difficulty of containing the explosive guard.
The Grizzlies' victory was a full team effort. Center Jock Landale provided strong support with 19 points, while star forward Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 17 points to the winning cause.
Despite the unusual pre-game disruption, the event underscored the NBA's global appeal and provided Filipino and international fans with a spectacular showcase of Ja Morant's elite talent following his recovery.
