NBA London Game: Morant Returns with 24 Points, 5 Rebounds, 13 Assists as Grizzlies Easily Defeat Magic

On January 19th Beijing time, at the O2 Arena in London, the Memphis Grizzlies comfortably beat the Orlando Magic 126-109 — the first NBA regular season game in London since 2019. Two-time All-Star Morant returned from injury and, despite ongoing rumors about his future with the team, posted a double-double by halftime and finished with 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 13 assists to lead his team to victory.

Previously, the two teams met in the first leg of the NBA Europe Games in Berlin, Germany. In that matchup, the Orlando Magic staged a comeback and won 118-111.

Statistics

Magic: Black 19 points, 6 assists; Wendell Carter Jr. 18 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists; Banchero 16 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists; Wagner 14 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists; Bane 11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists; Richardson 11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists; Biyombo 9 points, 6 rebounds

Grizzlies: Morant 24 points, 5 rebounds, 13 assists; Randall 21 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists; Jaren Jackson Jr. 17 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks; Coward 13 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists; Wells 10 points, 2 rebounds; Spencer 10 points, 3 assists; Aldama 9 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists; GG Jackson 7 points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks; Pope 7 points, 3 steals

Player of the Game

Morant returned in excellent form, contributing 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 13 assists, shooting 7 of 13 from the field, 3 of 4 from three-point range, and 7 of 9 from the free-throw line, leading his team to victory.

Game Recap

Like in the Berlin game, the Grizzlies started strong, scoring 40 points in the first quarter and quickly building a 17-point lead. Bench players Randall and Spencer sparked a 17-5 run, helping the team extend the gap.

In the second quarter, Morant continued to energize the Grizzlies’ offense. After hitting a three-pointer, the score stretched to 60-30, doubling their lead. The Magic responded with a 10-2 run, with Wendell Carter Jr. hitting back-to-back threes to narrow the deficit, but at halftime, Orlando still trailed 53-72.

In the third quarter, the Grizzlies maintained firm control of the lead. Richardson stood out for the Magic offensively, and the quarter ended tied at 28-28.

In the final quarter, the Magic failed to mount a major comeback. With 8 minutes left, Banchero hit a three-pointer to cut the deficit to 17 points, but the Grizzlies kept steady and closed out the game with a convincing win.

It’s worth noting that the Magic last competed in a London NBA game in 2016, when they lost 103-106 in overtime to the Toronto Raptors. This game at London’s O2 Arena was the NBA’s 10th regular season game hosted in the UK capital. The league’s first London regular season game dates back to March 4, 2011.

It is reported that the European division will host two NBA regular season games in 2027, in Paris, France and Manchester, UK; the 2028 games will be held in Paris and Berlin, Germany.

Starting Lineups

Magic: Black, Bane, Wagner, Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr.

Grizzlies: Morant, Coward, Wells, Jaren Jackson Jr., Aldama