Zach Randolph made his return to the Memphis Grizzlies after missing the previous seven games. The power forward received the welcome he deserved as he returned from grieving the loss of his mother.
Grizzlies fans gave Randolph a raucous welcome to their home arena as the team battled the Philadelphia 76ers.
Zach Randolph got a standing ovation from #GrindCity in his return from taking a personal leave following his mother's passing. pic.twitter.com/mBLcQRtaCz
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) December 7, 2016
Welcome back, @MacBo50! pic.twitter.com/T4gCurqhdO
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) December 7, 2016
The standing ovation was not all that went well for Randolph. He scored 12 points and grabbed 14 rebounds off the bench as the Grizzlies beat the Sixers 96-91.
After the game, Randolph spoke to the Grizzlies’ sideline reporter about what returning to the team meant to him in a difficult time:
"There's nothing better than this being with your brothers competing"
A very emotional @macbo50 glad to be back with @memgrizz. #GrindCity pic.twitter.com/oz2RNXup1B
— FOX Sports Grizzlies (@GrizzliesOnFSSE) December 7, 2016
Zach Randolph also had the support of his teammates. Most notably, center Marc Gasol took to Twitter following the win to show his love for his frontcourt partner:
Bigger than basketball… pic.twitter.com/zixh0OPhHy
— Marc Gasol (@MarcGasol) December 7, 2016
It was a well-deserved night for Randolph.
As always, our thoughts and prayers are with Zach as he continues to deal with his mother’s passing. We are glad that he is back to doing what he loves.
