Believe it or not, Thursday marked Grizzlies star Ja Morant's first-career game in Toronto.
During Morant's rookie season in 2019-20, the Grizzlies' game in Toronto was put off due to the coronavirus pandemic, so the two teams didn't face off until the season resumed in the bubble. The following season, the Raptors were playing their home games in Tampa and last season, Morant missed Memphis' lone game in Canada with a knee injury.
Morant made the most of his first game at Scotiabank Arena, giving Raptors fans a show — even if it came at the expense of a win for the home team.
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The superstar guard cracked a personal milestone, dishing out a career-high 17 assists to lead the Grizzlies to a victory over the Raptors. And even with his unselfish play, he still delivered some typical jaw-dropping highlights on his way to 19 points.
MORE CHUNE FOR YA HEADTOP.
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) December 30, 2022
🗳️ https://t.co/7exzut8CEo pic.twitter.com/096UF8XLmI
Even on a night where he accomplished a personal best, Morant spent his postgame presser talking up his opponent.
The 23-year-old was asked about the reigning Rookie of the Year, Scottie Barnes, who is going through a bit of a sophomore slump.
Barnes came out firing during his rookie season but he hasn't found the same success so far in Year 2. With the Raptors' struggles as a team this season, it feels like the 21-year-old's underwhelming start has been magnified.
MORE: Where will Morant, Barnes rank among NBA's top 30 players in five years?
Morant preached patience to the media after the game, providing some confidence in Barnes as he works through his development.
"You've just gotta have patience. I feel like most people don't know what an NBA player goes through. I'm sure he's gonna be fine," Morant told the media, according to TSN's Josh Lewenberg.
"Don't worry y'all. Everybody's time is different. He'll be special," he concluded.
Morant also took a moment to appreciate the reception he got in his first game in Toronto.
"I still get shocked and amazed when I run out and my name's called how much yelling and screaming they do for me," Morant said, according to Lewenberg. "Definitely big time. Something I love and am thankful for. I hope it continues to happen."
Morant won't have another game in Toronto this season, but the Raptors will get another crack at the Grizzlies in Memphis on Sunday, Feb. 5.
