On Sunday afternoon in London, the Memphis Grizzlies got exactly what they needed: a statement win and a vintage Ja Morant performance.
Just three days after squandering a 20-point lead to the Orlando Magic in the first leg of their international set, Memphis flipped the script in the rematch. With Morant back in the lineup after missing time due to injury, the Grizzlies looked like a different team - faster, sharper, and far more in control.
The result? A convincing 126-109 win that never felt in doubt.
JA MORANT DANCING IN LONDON pic.twitter.com/HboyeCnDQ1
— eric (@EricTweetsNBA) January 18, 2026
Morant wasted no time reminding everyone what he’s capable of. He dropped 20 points in the first half on just seven shot attempts - a clinic in efficiency - and finished the game with 24 points and 13 assists. Whether he was slicing through the lane or setting up teammates with pinpoint passes, Morant looked every bit the electric, game-changing guard who once had the league buzzing about his future.
“He’s a lightning bolt getting downhill,” Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said after the game. And honestly, that might be underselling it. Morant’s burst and control in transition were on full display, and Orlando’s defense, which has been one of the league’s stingiest this season, simply couldn’t keep up.
Beyond the box score, Morant played with joy - smiling, celebrating, and clearly relishing the moment. It was the kind of performance that doesn’t just lift a team; it changes the energy in the building. And it couldn’t have come at a more intriguing time.
Trade rumors continue to swirl around Morant and the Grizzlies, with multiple reports suggesting Memphis is exploring potential deals. Teams like the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks have been mentioned as possible destinations, and if this game was any indication, Morant might be heating up at just the right time.
This season has been a struggle for him - statistically and emotionally - but Sunday felt like a turning point. Against a tough Magic squad, Morant looked like his 2022-23 self again: explosive, confident, and in complete command of the offense. For teams monitoring his situation, this was a loud reminder of what he brings to the table when healthy and locked in.
And for Memphis? It was a much-needed win, a morale boost, and maybe - just maybe - a glimpse of what’s still possible, whether Morant stays or goes.
The Grizzlies will return to Memphis for their next matchup on Wednesday night against the Atlanta Hawks. If Morant keeps playing like this, expect the spotlight - and the trade chatter - to only grow louder.