Rockets Coach Stephen Silas On Ja Morant's Return: 'I am Happy For Him'
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MEMPHIS — Houston Rockets Coach Stephen Silas took a moment to mentally prepare his team for the energy and emotion that awaited inside FedEx Forum Wednesday night.
The Rockets were on the verge of beginning their five-game road trip amid Ja Morant's long-awaited return.
In his first game back following an eight-game suspension, Morant recorded 17 points (6-13 FG, 5-6 FT), five assists, a pair of steals and a block to help the Memphis Grizzlies take a 130-125 victory over Houston.
Silas felt his preparation helped the Rockets stay competitive, as Houston nearly spoiled Morant's return. But even without knowing Morant on a personal level, Silas expressed joy to see a young man take the necessary steps to overcome his trials and tribulations.
"You get to a point where you become so humble — you start to understand that you cannot do it by yourself," Silas said. "We all need help on some level. We cannot get through all of these things by ourselves.
"For him to be as young as he is, realize it and follow through with the plan — it shows a lot about his character. I am happy for him. And I am hopeful for him."
Fans inside the Grizzlies' home arena stood to their feet to give Morant an ovation with three minutes left in the first quarter. His play against the Rockets marked his first game in 19 days.
Morant returned from a lengthy suspension for conduct detrimental to the NBA. He spent a few days in a Florida counseling facility after flashing a handgun on social media from a strip club in Denver on March 4.
Morant felt he played well in his return. But was grateful for what he described as a second chance during his post-game press conference. Highlighted by his father, Tee Morant, Morant's family sat courtside wearing a custom-made hoodie with the word "REDEMPTION" across the front.
"I'm thankful and grateful for everybody who has been supporting me during this time," Morant said. "It definitely helped me a lot. It definitely made me feel a little better, eased everything that's going on.
"It could have been worse. I got a second chance, and I felt like it's only to make it right, to show who Ja is as a person, and that's my family's message with the hoodie."
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