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Ja Morant Injured as Grizzlies Fall to Thunder in Playoffs
Memphis guard Ja Morant has become the latest casualty in the NBA playoffs, suffering a significant injury during a crucial matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Morant exited the game in the first half due to a left hip injury sustained during a hard fall under the basket with just over three minutes remaining before halftime. His absence was confirmed early in the second half when he did not return to the court. Luke Kennard stepped in to fill the void in the Grizzlies’ rotation.
Morant’s injury comes amid a troubling trend for star players in the playoffs, with other notable injuries affecting teams across the league. Both Jimmy Butler of the Golden State Warriors, dealing with a glute injury, and Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics, who has a wrist issue, have also faced setbacks. While Tatum is currently listed as day-to-day, ESPN has indicated Butler may be at significant risk of missing Game 3 against the Warriors.
As the Grizzlies tried to hold on to a seemingly comfortable lead, the absence of Morant proved pivotal. The Thunder capitalized on their opponent’s misfortunes, surging back from a daunting 29-point deficit to secure a 114-108 victory, thereby establishing a decisive 3-0 lead in their first-round playoff series.
In the aftermath of the game, interim coach Tuomas Iisalo commented on Morant’s injury, noting that he would undergo further evaluation the following day, hinting at forthcoming updates regarding his condition. Iisalo remarked on the impact Morant’s absence had on the team’s performance in the second half, saying it affected both their energy levels and execution on the court.
The injury occurred during a critical fast-break play for Memphis. As Scotty Pippen advanced toward the basket, he dished the ball to Morant, who was in mid-air when he was inadvertently collided with by Luguentz Dort, resulting in Morant crashing to the floor. Although he managed to shoot free throws afterward, he departed for the locker room with Memphis leading 67-40.
Despite showing some resilience by returning to attempt his free throws, Morant was visibly hampered by injury, and his subsequent removal from the game proved costly. He had contributed 15 points and five assists before leaving the court.
The incident sparked a review for a potential flagrant foul, but officials concluded it was simply a common foul, leaving the Grizzlies to grapple with what could be a challenging road ahead without their star player.
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