Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 24 points and blocked five shots, Cam Spencer added 19 points and Ja Morant made a triumphant return for the Memphis Grizzlies in a 125-104 victory over the visiting Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night.
Morant finished with 17 points, 10 assists and two steals as the Grizzlies won their eighth straight game against the Bucks.
Morant, upgraded to questionable before tipoff, had missed the previous four games with a left ankle sprain sustained Dec. 15 against the Los Angeles Clippers.
After a scoreless first quarter, one in which he played only five minutes, Morant settled into a rhythm over the next three quarters.
Milwaukee, which lost for the sixth time in eight games, was led by AJ Green with 20 points. He had six 3-pointers. Kevin Porter Jr. added 16 points and eight boards while Bobby Portis (12 rebounds), Kyle Kuzma and Ryan Rollins each finished with 15 points.
The Grizzlies led 92-83 entering the final quarter, but stretched their lead quickly. After Jaylen Wells’ transition 3-pointer with 5:18 to go, Memphis moved ahead by a 113-96 count. The Grizzlies’ largest lead was the 21-point margin at the final buzzer.
Morant had two free throws early in the fourth quarter and assisted on three other baskets, including two by Spencer, over the next five minutes as Memphis pulled away.
Morant emerged in the second quarter by scoring six points and assisting on two other field goals in the opening four minutes. Behind the momentum Morant supplied, the Grizzlies outscored the Bucks 35-15 in the second quarter to take a 60-50 halftime lead. Memphis opened the quarter with a 26-6 run started by Morant and ended by Spencer’s 3-pointer. Morant closed the half with two free throws and a no-look assist to Wells for a dunk.
The Grizzlies spent most of the third quarter ahead by double digits. Again, Morant was involved with five early points.
Giannis Antetokounmpo did not play for the Bucks. He has not been available since injuring his right calf on Dec. 3.
