The Memphis Grizzlies may have to fight for their playoff lives without their franchise star.
Ja Morant’s availability for Game 4 of the first-round playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder is uncertain after the explosive guard suffered a left hip injury late in the second quarter of Game 3. The injury occurred with 3:15 remaining before halftime, during a fastbreak play at FedExForum in Memphis on Thursday night.
After taking a slick behind-the-back pass from teammate Scotty Pippen Jr., Morant elevated toward the rim before colliding midair with Thunder guard Luguentz Dort. Morant crashed hard to the floor and stayed down, eventually getting helped off after attempting—and missing—two free throws. He did not return to the game, reappearing in the second half in street clothes and on crutches.
Despite leading by as many as 27 points, the Grizzlies unraveled without Morant, surrendering the advantage and ultimately losing 114-108. The defeat leaves Memphis down 3-0 in the best-of-seven series, facing elimination on Saturday.
Interim head coach Tuomas Iisalo said postgame, “He’s going through further evaluations (Friday). Then we’ll know more.”
Dort addressed the collision after the game, expressing concern for Morant.
“Tough one. Obviously I hope he’s OK… I was hustling back, stopped on a dime, didn’t see him behind me. It was a freak play.”
Before exiting, Morant had tallied 15 points and five assists in 15 minutes. He’s averaged 18.3 points and 5.5 assists across the first three games of the series. The 25-year-old two-time All-Star appeared in 50 regular-season games this year, posting strong averages of 23.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 4.1 rebounds.
With Memphis on the brink of a sweep, the team and fans alike are holding their breath on Morant’s condition—knowing full well that without him, their playoff hopes are hanging by a thread.