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MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)— Memphis guard Ja Morant exited the Grizzlies’ playoff matchup against Oklahoma City on Thursday night due to a left hip injury sustained from a hard fall under the basket late in the first half.
With just over three minutes left in the half, Morant hit the floor hard and was subsequently ruled out for the rest of the game early in the second half after he did not return to the court to start the third quarter. Luke Kennard stepped in to fill his spot in the lineup.
In Morant’s absence, the Thunder mounted an impressive comeback from a 29-point deficit, ultimately defeating the Grizzlies 114-108 and taking a 3-0 lead in the first round of the playoff series.
Following the game, Grizzlies interim coach Tuomas Iisalo mentioned that Morant would undergo further assessment on Friday, stating that “then we’ll know more.”
When questioned about how much Morant’s absence impacted Memphis’s performance in the second half, Iisalo responded, “I would say quite drastically from the end result. But not only the energy, but also the execution.”
Memphis was on a fast break after a Thunder turnover when Scotty Pippen drove toward the basket and passed the ball to Morant at the rim. As Morant jumped, Luguentz Dort, who was off balance at the time, collided with him, causing Morant to fall hard. After attempting the subsequent free throws, he went to the locker room with Memphis leading 67-40.
Morant was assisted back to the locker room but made a notable return—limping—to shoot the free throws. He missed both attempts, but the ball went out of bounds, allowing him to exit the game. He removed his jersey as he was helped off the court.
The incident was reviewed for a possible flagrant foul but was ultimately deemed a regular foul.
At the time of his departure, Morant had contributed 15 points and five assists.
