The availability of Memphis Grizzlies standout Ja Morant for Saturday`s crucial Game 4 in their series against the Oklahoma City Thunder remains uncertain. Morant sustained a hip injury after taking a hard fall during Thursday`s Game 3.
Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo informed reporters on Thursday that Morant would undergo “further evaluations tomorrow and then we`ll know more.”
Late in the second quarter, with Memphis leading by 27 points, Morant received a pass from Scotty Pippen Jr. on a fast break. Oklahoma City`s Lu Dort, trailing the play, slipped as he turned and collided with Morant who was in the air.
Morant remained on the court for a while before missing both free throws and subsequently leaving the game. He did not return. Following his departure, Oklahoma City mounted a historic comeback, securing a 114-108 victory.
The Thunder now hold a series lead and are one win away from advancing to the next round. Notably, Oklahoma City has significantly outscored the Grizzlies by 60 points during the 62 minutes Morant has been off the court throughout the series.
Iisalo stated that the injury “quite drastically” affected Memphis` energy and execution.
Officials reviewed the incident but determined it was not a flagrant foul.
Lu Dort commented on the play, stating via ESPN, “It`s a tough one. I was running back, making a hustle play for my team. I was running quick, stopped on a dime. I didn`t know he was behind me and I was slipping, so I still tried to make a play on the ball.”
Dort added, “I hope he`s OK. I obviously didn`t mean to hit him like that.”
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault described the collision as “unfortunate” and also expressed hope for Morant`s health.
Daigneault told reporters, “You want everybody to be at full strength. He`s a great competitor, he was playing great, obviously that had something to do with the game as well — it would be wrong of me not to acknowledge that. But I think it was a clean play. I think everybody was just playing hard.”
Before leaving the game, Morant had recorded 15 points on 6-for-11 shooting, five assists, and zero turnovers. The Grizzlies outscored Oklahoma City by 16 points in the 16 minutes he was on the floor.
Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday and will be held at FedExForum.
Jasper Hawthorne