Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant added to his highlight reel on Wednesday by giving a young fan courtside seats, an autographed jersey, and his sneakers after her team-signed ball was stolen at a game earlier in the week.
‘[My] fav highlight tonight,’ Morant, 23, tweeted alongside a picture and video of the post-game encounter following Memphis’ 135-129 win over the visiting San Antonio Spurs.
Ellie Hughes, an 11-year-old Grizzlies fan, was trying to get Morant’s attention for an autograph at Monday’s game against San Antonio when two people swiped her special ball. Hughes, of Forrest City, Arkansas, had collected players’ signatures on the ball for the past six years while attending games with her grandfather.
Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant added to his highlight reel on Wednesday by giving a young fan courtside seats, an autographed jersey, and his sneakers after her team-signed ball was stolen at a game earlier in the week. Ellie Hughes, an 11-year-old Grizzlies fan, is seen her with her father and Morant after Wednesday’s win
As reported by Memphis’ News 5, the alleged theft took place as Hughes left her ball at her seat as she tried to get Morant’s autograph.
‘When my grandfather was walking up there to see what was going on, they started walking away, or running at a fast pace,’ Hughes said.
The autographs on the ball included signatures from Grizzlies players such as Dillon Brooks, [Ziaire] Williams, Jaren Jackson Jr., David Roddy, and Danny Green.
Hearing of her plight through social media, Morant reached out to her family, invited her to Wednesday night’s rematch against the Spurs and then gave her his game-worn jersey and Ja 1 Nike shoes, which haven’t been released to the public yet.
Hearing of her plight through social media, Morant reached out to her family, invited her to Wednesday night’s rematch against the Spurs and then gave her his game-worn jersey and Ja 1 Nike shoes, which haven’t been released to the public yet
‘It’s something I pretty much love to do,’ Morant said of his warm gesture. ‘You touch somebody’s heart like that. A big fan of the Grizzlies for years. It’s moments like that that mean the most to them. Something they will never forget.’
The post-game courtside chat also included Hughes’ father, who gave his reaction on Twitter afterwards.
‘You are my HERO for life now!!!’ The elder Hughes, Adam, tweeted at Morant. ‘Father to father that was unbelievable what you did for my daughter tonight. We will never forget it!! Thank you and to youre (sic) whole family man!! Youre (sic) sister, dad, and mom all so nice!!! Youre (sic) dad made sure I was taken care of tonight!!’
Morant’s father, Tee, is a beloved regular at Grizzlies games, and recognizable to much of the fan base.
Hughes received Ja 1 Nike shoes, which haven’t been released to the public yet
The post-game courtside chat also included Hughes’ father, who gave his reaction on Twitter
Morant put on a show, too, scoring 38 points as the Grizzlies held off San Antonio for their season-high eighth-straight victory.
The star guard, who missed the previous two games with right thigh soreness, was 14 of 25 from the field, including 3 for 5 on 3-pointers. He also had a right-handed hammer dunk over Spurs center Jakob Poeltl with 3:35 left to help Memphis preserve its lead.
Meanwhile, on Twitter, Morant was being hailed as a hero.
‘That’s great Ja,’ wrote one fan. ‘I’ve worked in the entertainment industry for thirty years and you’re a superstars that gets it. Your parents did a wonderful job raising you. I’m so proud you play for the @memgrizz! Keep going young man!’
‘You are the definition of class,’ added another. ‘You go out of your way to be kind to others and that’s how everyone should be. We need more people like you in this crazy world we live in.’
Morant, who missed the previous two games with right thigh soreness, was 14 of 25 from the field, including 3 for 5 on 3-pointers. He also had a right-handed hammer dunk over Spurs center Jakob Poeltl with 3:35 left to help Memphis preserve its lead.
