The Return of Ja Leads Grizzlies Past Magic in London.

Colin Rafferty –

Your Memphis Grizzlies got back at the Orlando Magic winning on Sunday, 126-109.

It was the return of 12, as the Grizz were looking to even the European series after dropping the game in Berlin.

Those who thought he was finished, well, he finished with 24 points, 13 assists, and 5 rebounds. He was electric and found his shooting stroke from outside, hitting 3-4.

I don’t mind that Ja has a few threes in his bag, just don’t want it to become a serial thing. He is one of the best guys off the dribble and there are very few who can stay with him once he is headed towards the basket.

He was getting up after not receiving a foul call, he was in on defensive plays, I even saw him get into position several times below the basket to try and get a rebound or two.

His passing has been one of the best attributes to his game and it was on full display for the people of London.

He is truly a special player, and the Grizzlies would be foolish to move on from him.

Jock Landale added 21 pts, 8 reb, and 3 assists. He was followed up by Jaren Jackson Jr.’s 17 pts, 5 reb, 2 block night and Cedric Coward’s 13 pt. performance.

Jaylen looked better hitting 3-4 from three and 3-5 from the field, he is not quite at the level he has been, but his shot was falling and that is always a good sign for a young shooter like him.

Just like Jaylen, Cam added 10 points on 2-4 from deep and 4-6 from the field. After the Berlin game, I expected both to get back to getting some better looks and they did.

I have to imagine playing in those arenas gave the shooting duo fits, but they worked through it and found their stride in London.

It was a full team effort led by Ja, who helped 5 other Grizzlies players get into double-digit scoring.

When the team is playing good defense and Ja is distributing the ball, they look different and I know they could’ve won games they dropped if Ja had been playing.

It is abundantly clear that when they have a true point-guard on the floor they can be a menace to teams.

Banchero ended up with 16 pts, 8 reb, and 9 assists. Anthony Black, who torched the Grizz in Berlin, led the Magic with 19 points and 6 assists.

The Grizz were able to hold the Magic to 30% from three and 44% from the field. This is a part of the recipe for success, good defense, good ball movement, and shots being made.

Having the edge in steals and turnovers is an added bonus, the Grizzlies have struggled to keep possession of the ball as of late. Typically, when they get on a run and subs come in, the ball gets turned over.

But not Sunday, not while Ja was playing with joy and enthusiasm.

After the game he was asked about what playing basketball means to him, “it’s very therapeutic for me,” then mentioned the Grizzlies logo tattoo that he got over the summer, “it should tell you exactly where I want to be, if anybody here knows me, I’m a very loyal guy.”

The city knew this and we have stood behind Ja, some have said we should trade and to those I say, “BA HUMBUG.” Why blow something up before we even see the results of a fully healthy team.

I know that may sound crazy with the number of guys in and out of the lineup, but the fact remains Ja is good and when Edey gets back they will look like a completely different team.

Do we have the time to wait, maybe, maybe not, but that doesn’t mean that a year from hell should invoke the panic button so quickly.

The Grizzlies are back in the U.S. and have three home games before hitting the road to Houston.

Atlanta, New Orleans, and Denver are up next. Teams that the Grizzlies can beat, and teams they could all lose to, but with 12 back in the lineup and hopefully a new lease on life, the Grizz fans should be in for a treat these next few games.

There are 9 games between now and the trade deadline, if the Grizz win 6 of those they will be over .500. That is completely doable and should be something they are striving to get.

Rumors swirl around the top dog for the Grizz, but if the game on Sunday was any indication that they need to keep him, they should. He was clearly the best player on the floor and made impacts all over.

You cannot get rid of him, please.

The Grizzlies will be back in action on Wednesday as they will take on the Atlanta Hawks and noted Grizz-killer, C.J. McCollum.

Tip-off is at 7 PM CST inside FedEx Forum, come out and support the Grizz before the winter winds come blowing through. Go out and show Ja the love and support the city shows for him day in and day out.

He is our guy; let it be known.