Basketball pro Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies has made a successful return to the North American professional basketball league NBA after his suspension.
The point guard contributed 17 points to his team’s 130-125 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday (local time). The Grizzlies’ top player was suspended for eight games for a controversial nightclub video and “league-damaging behavior” and was back in action for the first time.
“Before the game, I did some meditation to relieve my nervousness and emotions,” Morant said: “Coming out on the field and just seeing the fans’ reaction to my return meant a lot to me, I felt good inside. I can’t put it into words.”
Setback for Mavericks in the battle for the playoff spots
Germany international Maximilian Kleber and the Dallas Mavericks suffered a setback in the race for the playoff spots. In the duel against champions Golden State Warriors, the Texans narrowly lost 125-127 in front of their home crowd and thus failed to draw level with the Warriors in the Western Conference.
The Mavericks are currently ninth in the west, with only the top six teams safely advancing to the final round. The teams ranked seventh through tenth in each conference qualify for a tournament in which the last two playoff spots are awarded.
“Mavs” boss announces protest
However, a controversial situation late in the third quarter sparked debate. Before the eyes of NBA icon Dirk Nowitzki, the referees had caused discussions and plenty of fuss with a misleading whistle. The Dallas pros assumed they had been awarded the ball. They lined up on the wrong side of the field after a timeout – and the Warriors were free to score a basket on the other side. “The worst non-call mistake in NBA history”, “Mavs” owner Mark Cuban grumbled afterwards on Twitter.
The Mavericks had to do without superstar Kyrie Irving, but Luka Doncic returned after a two-week injury break. The Slovenian scored 30 points and was the outstanding player of the game. Kleber scored five points.
Schroeder wins with the Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers with national player Dennis Schröder kept their chances for the playoffs. Even without the still injured superstar LeBron James, the Lakers won 122:111 against the Phoenix Suns. Schroeder scored 13 points. The Lakers are tenth in the West, just behind the Mavericks.
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Morant wins on return – setback for Mavericks
The New York Knicks with the German center Isaiah Hartenstein lost 120:127 in the Miami Heat and thus failed to distance a competitor for the direct playoff entry. The Knicks are fifth in the East, two wins ahead of the Heat. Hartenstein got two points.