The Memphis Grizzlies felt all the emotions in the Play-In showdown against the Golden State Warriors. Ja Morant was playing like a star and had his team in a position to win. A victory meant advancing to the playoffs, but things took a scary turn in the third quarter.
Morant rolled his ankle after landing on Buddy Hield’s foot. The referees reviewed for a hostel act, but it was deemed a common foul. The Grizzlies star stayed down for a few minutes before bouncing up and nailing the free throw. Memphis quickly fouled to get him out of the game. Morant chose not to go back to the locker room, which gave fans some hope.
The Grizzlies star has a serious injury history. Here is everything we know about the ankle injury he suffered in Tuesday's game so far.
Ja Morant suffers right ankle injury in Play-In game versus Warriors
Morant was clearly in pain and could not put much weight on his leg as he exited, but the Grizzlies superstar stayed on the bench. He did not want to be ruled out of this important contest and was ready to do everything possible to return.
The training staff was seen working on Morant on the bench. There was plenty of uncertainty as Memphis dominated the third quarter to get back in the game. They were down just three points entering the fourth but needed their superstar to advance.
Morant had 18 points, two rebounds, and two assists in 25 minutes before the injury. He was seven of 14 from the field and made all three of his free throws. Memphis had outscored the Warriors by seven in his minutes, and it looked like he might lead the Grizzlies into the playoffs before the injury.
Morant returned to the contest with 9:26 left in the fourth quarter. He was limping, but credit to the Grizzlies best player for giving it a go. Ja nailed a mid-range jumper quickly and did everything he could to defeat the rival Warriors. Ultimately, the Dubs bested Memphis 121-116 to advance as the seventh seed. Golden State will face the Rockets in the first round of the playoffs.
It was a mixed bag after his return. Morant had a nightmare turnover with just over two minutes remaining that was followed by a Stephen Curry 3-pointer to put Golden State up by six. Memphis kept fighting, but never recovered. Morant finished with four points, one rebound, one assist, and one steal during the final stretch. He was clearly limping, but Morant gutted it out and finished the game.
Scotty Pippen Jr. took on an even larger and more important playmaking role with Ja sidelined. It was an unexpected spot for a player who was on a two-way contract last season. Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. will be asked to create more too if Ja needs to miss time. The Grizzlies played well without Morant, and there still questions about how effective Morant can be.
Ja Morant's ankle injury is still a worry. He returned, but will the ankle swell in the coming days? This is a situation to monitor moving forward. The Memphis Grizzlies season is not over. They face the winner of the Kings versus Mavericks showdown to see who becomes the eighth seed in the Western Conference on Friday night. The Grizzlies need Morant to have any shot to make a deep playoff run. All fans can do is stay tuned for all the latest.