The Memphis Grizzlies' hopes of a postseason resurgence were dealt a major blow on Thursday as star guard Ja Morant exited Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a hip injury.
Morant went down hard in the second quarter after being undercut by Thunder guard Luguentz Dort on a 2-on-1 fast break.
The incident, which occurred during a layup attempt, was reviewed for a potential flagrant foul but ultimately deemed a common foul.
Despite appearing in visible pain, Morant stayed on court to take his free throws — missing both — before heading straight to the locker room. He did not return, and the Grizzlies later confirmed he had been ruled out for the rest of the game due to a hip issue.
It marks the second injury of Morant’s playoff run. The 24-year-old had previously rolled his ankle during the Grizzlies’ first play-in game last week, casting early doubt on his postseason availability.
Before the injury, Memphis had built a commanding 26-point lead.
But without their leader, the Grizzlies unravelled in the second half as the Thunder mounted one of the biggest comebacks in NBA playoff history, securing a 114-108 win and a 3-0 series lead.
The result all but seals the Grizzlies’ fate, with no team in NBA history having recovered from a 3-0 deficit in a seven-game series.
Morant will now probably miss the upcoming Game 4 of the series, as per interim Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo.
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