an 11 year old boy Memphis Grizzlies fan had a thrilling night, days after his autographed basketball was allegedly stolen.
Grizzlies star Ja Morant gifted Ellie Hughes a used pair of his shoes and an autographed jersey following a 135-129 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night.
Ja Morant, number 12 of the Memphis Grizzlies, signs his shoes for a fan after the game against the San Antonio Spurs on January 11, 2023 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee.
(Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
Hughes reportedly had his autographed basketball stolen Monday night during the Grizzlies’ first home and away game. series with san antonio.
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The youngster had been collecting autographs from Grizzlies basketball players since she was five years old, according to Action News 5 in Memphis.
After learning of the incident, Morant reached out to the family and invited Hughes to the game on Wednesdaywhich is when he showered her with gifts.
“It’s something I love to do,” Morant said of his warm gesture. “You touch someone’s heart like that. A huge Grizzlies fan for years. It’s moments like that that mean the most to them. Something they’ll never forget.”
Ja Morant, number 12 of the Memphis Grizzlies, grabs a rebound during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at FedExForum on January 11, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee.
(Justin Ford/Getty Images)
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Morant too put on a show for Hughes during the game, scoring 38 points on shooting 14-25, adding San Antonio big man Jakob Poeltl to a bill in the process.
“It was huge for us,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said of Morant. “When he gets to his spots and plays at that level, it’s very important to us.”
Ja Morant, number 12 of the Memphis Grizzlies, is interviewed after the game against the San Antonio Spurs on January 11, 2023 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee.
(Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Memphis improved to 28-13 with the win.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
