Ja Morant returned for the Memphis Grizzlies in Monday’s 102-99 loss to the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder after missing more than three weeks with a left knee sprain.
Morant sprained his knee in a Nov. 26 loss to the Atlanta Hawks and had missed the past 12 games. Memphis seemed to barely miss a beat without him, holding firm as the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference after going 10-2 in his absence.
Morant, who had 16 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists on Monday, said it was frustrating to lose the day he returned, but added he was excited to be back on the court.
He also noted that he was was frustrated by fans sitting courtside who were seemingly upset at his return.
“During the game, running down the court, I heard some of our fans courtside tell me I needed to sit back down,” he said. “These were same fans who were shouting ‘MVP, MVP’ [earlier in the season].”
Morant, 22, is having a breakout year in his third season, averaging 24.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 6.8 assists while shooting 47.7% from the field.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.