Ja Morant’s Status Uncertain for Game 4 as Grizzlies Face Elimination Against Thunder
Memphis Hopes for Morant’s Return After Scary Fall in Game 3
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — April 25
With their season on the line, the Memphis Grizzlies may have to face a do-or-die Game 4 without their franchise centerpiece. Ja Morant, the electric two-time All-Star guard, is questionable for Saturday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder after sustaining a left hip injury in Game 3 of the first-round playoff series.
The injury occurred late in the second quarter on Thursday, just as the Grizzlies looked poised to claim a critical home victory. Instead, what followed was a heartbreaking collapse.
Grizzlies Blow Big Lead After Morant’s Exit
At the time of Morant’s injury — with 3:15 remaining in the second quarter — Memphis was in control, holding a commanding 67-40 lead. But once their leader hit the floor and exited the game, momentum shifted drastically.
The Grizzlies eventually fell 114-108, putting them down 3-0 in the best-of-seven series. No team in NBA history has ever come back from such a deficit, and without Morant, the odds grow even steeper.
Interim head coach Tuomas Iisalo told reporters after the game that Morant was undergoing further evaluations on Friday, and the team would not make any decisions until they have more clarity on his condition.
How the Injury Happened
The play that led to the injury was a fastbreak opportunity, initiated by a behind-the-back pass from Scotty Pippen Jr. Morant took off toward the rim, but collided mid-air with Thunder defender Luguentz Dort, who appeared to step into Morant’s path unexpectedly.
Morant landed hard on the floor, clutching his left hip as trainers rushed to his side. He stayed in the game long enough to miss two free throws, but then left for the locker room and did not return. In the second half, he was spotted on crutches and in street clothes, seated on the Grizzlies bench.
“It was a hustle play,” Dort said postgame. “I didn’t know he was behind me. I tried to stop and contest. I hope he’s OK. That’s never what you want to see.”
Morant’s Impact and the Grizzlies’ Uphill Battle
Before exiting, Morant had logged 15 points and five assists in just 15 minutes — a strong start in what was shaping up to be his best performance of the series. Through three games, he’s averaging 18.3 points and 5.5 assists, though his presence extends well beyond the box score.
In the regular season, Morant appeared in 50 games, averaging 23.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 4.1 rebounds. Over his six seasons in Memphis, he’s become not just the face of the franchise, but a symbol of the team’s gritty, up-tempo identity.
The Grizzlies will now have to prepare for Game 4 with or without him — a decision likely to come just hours before tip-off. One thing’s certain: the energy inside FedExForum on Saturday will be fueled by desperation and hope.
Whether Morant returns or not, the Grizzlies must rally if they want to avoid a first-round sweep.
