NBA in London: The Memphis Grizzlies beat the Orlando Magic as the NBA returns to the UK

The Grizzlies, who have struggled for consistency this season, dominated the early stages and led by 17 points late in the first quarter.

From there, the contest became even, with the point differential varying slightly in the final three quarters, and the Magic’s hopes of answering against the Grizzlies diminished.

The Grizzlies took inspiration from star Ja Morant after he returned from a sprained ankle that caused him to miss six games. His name received the loudest cheer from the audience before tip-off.

Morant scored 20 points in the first half, including 15 in the second quarter.

He was scheduled to participate on a limited basis upon his return, but played 28 minutes and scored 24 points, and teammate Joc Landale added 21 points off the bench.

Wendell Carter Jr. dazzled the Magic team by scoring 18 points, while his teammate Paolo Banchero added 16 points, eight rebounds and nine assists in a game that lasted 36 minutes.

The return to London was the second part of the dual confrontation between the two teams, as the Magic defeated the Grizzlies 118-111 on Thursday in Berlin.

“I think all the players should want to come and have the opportunity to play here and experience everything that we and the Magic got to do last week,” Morant said.

Grizzlies teammate Jaren Jackson Jr. added: “We were here to perform and I’m glad everyone had a great time.

“We have been embraced since we have been here in Berlin and London. This is definitely a place I would like to visit again.”