Having star guard Ja Morant back and healthy bodes well for the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies opened the season Wednesday night with a 128-122 home victory over the New Orleans Pelicans -- and Morant played the role he and the Memphis fans relish. He took over in the final minutes of a close game, scoring 11 of his game-high 35 points in the last 4:16 to turn a 2-point deficit into a win.

Morant's floater off the glass with 33.2 seconds to go put the Grizzlies up 122-118 and they were able to hold off Zion Williamson and the Pelicans.

Memphis will remain at home to play the Miami Heat Friday.

Oft-injured the past two seasons, Morant was the difference for the Grizzlies, who overcame a 15-point first-half deficit. He made it happen despite missing each of the team's five preseason ga

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