The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Orlando Magic 126-109 in the NBA's return to London after a seven-year absence. Ja Morant starred with 24 points and 13 assists upon his return from injury, helping avenge a loss to the Magic in Berlin days earlier. The game was interrupted by a heckler protesting U.S. policy on Greenland during the national anthem.
The Memphis Grizzlies secured a convincing 126-109 victory over the Orlando Magic at London's O2 Arena on January 18, 2026, marking the NBA's 10th regular-season game in the city and the first since 2019. This matchup was the second leg of a European doubleheader, following Orlando's 118-111 win over Memphis in Berlin on Thursday. Entering the game, the Magic held a 23-18 record, sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference, while the Grizzlies were 17-23 and 11th in the West.
Ja Morant, returning from a right calf injury that sidelined him for six games, provided an immediate spark for Memphis. The point guard scored 24 points and dished out 13 assists in 28 minutes, earning the loudest pre-tipoff cheer from the crowd. "I think all players should actually want to come and have the opportunity to play over here," Morant said post-game. Jock Landale added 21 points and eight rebounds off the bench, while Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 17 points. For Orlando, Anthony Black led with 19 points, Wendell Carter Jr. had 18 points and seven rebounds, and Paolo Banchero recorded 16 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists despite shooting 7-of-20.
The game drew a star-studded crowd, including footballers Virgil van Dijk, Declan Rice, Thierry Henry, and Marcelo, Formula 1 driver Kimi Antonelli, actress Rosamund Pike, and NBA legend Tony Parker. London's mayor Sadiq Khan received boos when shown on screen. Before tipoff, American singer Vanessa Williams performed the Star-Spangled Banner, but was interrupted by a heckler shouting "Leave Greenland alone!" The outburst, referencing U.S. President Donald Trump's threats of tariffs on European nations over Greenland, drew applause from parts of the audience. Williams continued unfazed.
Memphis led by as many as 33 points in the first half and never trailed, closing out the win after Orlando narrowed the gap to 17 in the fourth quarter. Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. noted, "We've been embraced since we've been here in Berlin and in London. This is definitely a place I'd love to revisit." The victory ends the NBA's 2025-26 international slate, with future games planned for Manchester and Paris in 2027.
