In a thrilling comeback, Ja Morant showcased his exceptional skills by scoring 24 points and dishing out 13 assists, leading the Memphis Grizzlies to a resounding 126-109 victory over the Orlando Magic in London on January 18, 2026. This match marked the first regular-season NBA game in the city since 2019, generating excitement among fans.
Morant's return was pivotal for the Grizzlies, as he played a crucial role in avenging their recent 118-111 defeat to the Magic in Berlin just days earlier. His teammates also contributed significantly; Jock Landale scored 21 points while grabbing 8 rebounds, and Jaren Jackson Jr. added 17 points to the scoreboard, solidifying the team's strong performance.
The game was not without its challenges for Orlando, who found themselves trailing by a staggering 33 points during the first half. However, they made a commendable effort to claw back into the game, with Paolo Banchero hitting a three-pointer that reduced the deficit to 17 points, bringing the score to 108-91 with just over eight minutes left in the fourth quarter. Despite this surge, the Grizzlies managed to maintain control and close out the game effectively.
On the Magic's side, Anthony Black emerged as the leading scorer with 19 points, while Wendell Carter Jr. contributed 18 points and 7 rebounds. Banchero finished the night with 16 points, shooting 7 of 20 from the field, along with 9 assists and 8 rebounds, showing his versatility as a player.
This game took place at the O2 Arena, marking it as the tenth regular-season game hosted in London's vibrant atmosphere since the inaugural match on March 4, 2011. Looking ahead, Europe is slated to host two more regular-season games in 2027, with Paris and Manchester being the chosen cities. Additionally, in 2028, basketball fans can look forward to games in both Paris and Berlin, promising to keep the excitement alive across the continent.
