Oklahoma City Thunder’s dramatic comeback against the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 3 was overshadowed by a controversial play that left Grizzlies star Ja Morant sidelined with a hip injury. The Grizzlies, who had built a commanding 29-point lead in the first half, saw their momentum—and possibly their playoff hopes—derailed when Morant was undercut by Thunder guard Lu Dort during a fastbreak dunk attempt late in the second quarter.
Morant, who has battled injuries throughout the season, was forced to leave the game and did not return, with his status for the remainder of the series now in doubt. After the game, Dort addressed the incident, expressing regret and emphasizing that the collision was unintentional.
“Tough one. Obviously I hope he’s okay. I was running back, making a hustle play for my team. I was running quick, stopped on a dime. I didn’t know he was behind me, and I was slipping. I tried to make a play on the ball, but we just ran into each other and he fell down. But I hope he’s okay. I didn’t mean to hit him like that,” Dort said postgame.
Despite Dort’s apology and insistence that the play was accidental, the incident sparked outrage among fans and analysts, with some labeling the move reckless and calling for consequences. The referees reviewed the play and determined it was a common foul, not a flagrant, suggesting no malicious intent.
Morant’s absence proved costly as the Thunder capitalized, erasing the Grizzlies’ massive lead and taking a 3-0 series advantage. With Morant’s status for Game 4 uncertain, Memphis faces the threat of a first-round sweep.
The fallout from the collision has ignited debate across the NBA community, with opinions divided on whether Dort’s actions were careless or simply an unfortunate accident in the heat of playoff basketball. As both teams await further updates on Morant’s condition, the series—and the Grizzlies’ season—hangs in the balance.