Morant returns from 10-game absence in Grizzlies' loss to Jazz

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant returned to the lineup for Friday's 130-126 defeat to the Utah Jazz following a 10-game absence due to a calf injury.

The 26-year-old posted a double-double of 21 points and a team-best 10 assists to go with four rebounds in 25 minutes.

Morant had not played since he suffered a Grade 1 right calf strain in the first quarter of a 108-100 defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Nov. 15.

The two-time All-Star entered Friday averaging 18.2 points on a career-low 35.8% shooting in 13 games for the Grizzlies. His 28.5 minutes per game is also the lowest mark of his seven-year NBA career.

The 11-13 Grizzlies welcomed the Jazz to the FedEx Forum in Memphis with wins in seven of their last nine outings. They are 7-4 in 11 games without the guard in the lineup this season.

Morant was suspended one game in November for conduct detrimental to the team after making postgame remarks following a defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers. Morant responded to a question about what the Grizzlies could have done differently in the defeat, saying, "According to (the coaching staff), probably don't play me, honestly. That's basically what the message was after, so it's cool."