Memphis Grizzlies fans held their breath Tuesday night as Ja Morant, the team’s electrifying point guard, went down clutching his right ankle during a crucial Play-In Tournament clash against the Golden State Warriors. With just over four minutes left in the third quarter, Morant landed awkwardly on Warriors guard Buddy Hield’s foot, immediately showing signs of pain and frustration as trainers rushed to his side.
Despite the injury, Morant briefly returned to the court, managing to sink a free throw and later adding a couple of baskets. However, his trademark explosiveness was clearly diminished, and Memphis ultimately fell short, losing 121-11 to the Warriors. Morant finished with points, three rebounds, and three assists in minutes, but the Grizzlies’ comeback hopes faded without their star at full strength.
The Grizzlies now face a do-or-die matchup on Friday against the winner of Dallas vs. Sacramento. Morant, visibly limping after the game, was resolute about his availability: “I’m playing. That’s basically my answer. Nothing’s changed,” he declared.
With Memphis already battling a depleted roster and the season hanging in the balance, all eyes are on Morant’s recovery. Will he be able to lead the Grizzlies when it matters most, or will his injury prove too much for the team to overcome? The next hours could define Memphis’s playoff fate.
