MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Ja Morant made an immediate impact for the Memphis Grizzlies when he returned to the lineup after missing eight games – and nearly three weeks – due to hip and pelvic injuries.

Morant, playing for the first time since being injured on Nov. 6, scored 20 of his 22 points in the first half, added 11 assists and helped the Grizzlies to a 123-98 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night.

“It felt good. I felt like I played good. It looked good,” Morant said with a smile.

The two-time All-Star guard was listed as questionable. The Grizzlies announced about 45 minutes before the game that he would play against the Trail Blazers.

Morant, the second pick in the 2019 draft, is averaging 20.8 points, 9.3 assists and five rebounds in nine games this season.

Morant’s influence on the game was testament to his return to form despite being away.

“I’m just attacking my returns process,” Morant said he was ready. “The ramp. Making sure I’m in the rhythm when I’m there.”

Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins welcomed Morant’s immediate impact.

“He’s working his butt off,” Jenkins said. “Last week was the best work I’ve seen from him in a return-to-play process.”

While Morant had a dunk in his return, it was two passes that led to assists that brought the Memphis crowd to its feet. One was an alley-oop for Jaren Jackson Jr., who finished with 21 points and four blocks. The other was a behind-the-back pass to Brandon Clarke that led to an easy inside basket.

Morant said the pass to Jackson was the better assist. He said the one against Clarke was almost a routine because of their years of playing together.

“Playing with Ja I know I always have to be ready,” Clarke said. “It’s about having your hands ready.”

When asked how much of a difference it makes when Morant is on the floor, Clarke said: “Oh, it’s huge. It’s everything. He just knows how to find you and get our offense going. He makes it fun to play every night.” to play.”

Morant’s return added depth to the Grizzlies lineup. Six players finished in double figures, and 11 played key minutes before clearing time in the fourth quarter. It was also one of the few times this season that the Grizzlies’ three main players – Morant, Jackson and Desmond Bane – played in the same game.

“When we have the big three, it’s different,” said reserve forward Santi Aldama. “It’s easier to play that way too. We’re talking about Yes. Just having him back, just the energy, the gravity, it’s completely different. Hopefully we start building the chemistry with them.”