Morant, saying he's sorry, could be back tonight
Memphis star guard Ja Morant says he obviously made a terrible decision and many mistakes.
The two-time All-Star apologized again Tuesday.
“I'm completely sorry for that,” Morant said after practice, speaking publicly for the first time since concluding his eight-game suspension by the NBA. “So, you know, my job now is, like I said, to be more responsible, more smarter, and don't cause any of that no more.”
The next question is when Morant is back on the floor for the Grizzlies. Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said he anticipates Morant playing in the Grizzlies' next game — tonight against Houston. Morant said his status is “still in the air.”
“Once I feel like I'm back in rhythm and in good condition to go back out there, I'll be back out there,” Morant said.
The NBA suspended Morant eight games for brandishing a gun in a social media video post at a Denver-area strip club on March 4. The eighth game was Saturday's win over the Golden State Warriors.
He had been in counseling at a Florida facility during his suspension.
With an unusual number of reporters surrounding him Tuesday, he said he “never had an alcohol problem.” He also plans to abandon social media and let his actions speak for him.
Asked if two weeks was enough to clear up his problems, Morant replied it is an “ongoing process.” GRIZZLIES' BROOKS SUSPENDED ❯❯ The NBA suspended Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks for one game without pay for his 18th technical foul this season.
Brooks also was suspended for a loss to the Clippers on March 5 after receiving his 16th technical foul in a loss to Denver on March 3.
Brooks earned his latest suspension Monday night in the third quarter of the Grizzlies' 112-108 win over Dallas. He dunked, and then danced his way back down the court.
PELICANS 119, SPURS 84 ❯❯
Brandon Ingram scored 32 points, including 16 in the third quarter, and New Orleans won at home over San Antonio.
Jonas Valanciunas had 19 points and 15 rebounds for the Pelicans, who led by as many as 36 points before closing out their second straight victory.
Sandro Mamukelashvili scored 20 for the Spurs.
HAWKS 129, PISTONS 107 ❯❯
Bogdan Bogdanovic sank three 3-pointers in a 16-0 run early in the second half and host Hawks beat struggling Detroit.
Trae Young had 30 points and 12 assists for the Hawks (36-36), who are eighth in the Eastern Conference standings.
The Hawks completed their first four-game season series sweep of the Pistons since the 1993-94 season.
Marvin Bagley III scored 31 points in Detroit's fourth straight loss. The Pistons (16-57) have lost 15 of 16 and have the NBA's worst record.
MAGIC 122, WIZARDS 112 ❯❯
Rookie Pablo Banchero had 18 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, and Orlando beat visiting Washington.
Orlando won for the first time in eight games against Washington. Gary Harris added 22 points for the Magic, and Franz Wagner had 20 points. Reserve guard Cole Anthony finished with 16 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
Kristaps Porzingis scored 30 points for the Wizards, who lost for the sixth time in seven games.