Ja Morant on the floor during Game 3 of the playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He took a hard hip injury in the most crucial seconds during the late second quarter. The injury occurred with just 3:15 remaining on the clock, following a hard fall that resulted from a collision with Thunder player Luguentz Dort.
Similar to the injury, after the fall, Morant fought to regain his footing but was eventually helped to his feet. He took his two limping steps to the free-throw line and, due to bad luck, missed both attempts. Had he not taken the free throws, he would have been automatically ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Morant’s new injury is just the latest blow to a season that has been largely defined by physical tribulations. Earlier in the season, he suffered a posterior hip subluxation when the Pelicans hosted the Los Angeles Lakers on November 6. This injury additionally resulted in pelvic floor muscle strains. This first injury limited him to just 50 total games in the 2021 regular season. He then missed the next eight games due to recovery. Extend the rehabilitation time.
Morant was attempting a high-flying layup on a fastbreak when he collided with Dort. The force of the collision knocked him to the ground, swallowing the fleeting moment entirely. When he left the game, the Memphis Grizzlies were up by 29 points on the Oklahoma City Thunder. This excellent performance proves the character of this young team, despite Morant’s unfortunate luck.
Tim MacMahon reported on April 24, 2025, that Morant’s hip injury could have significant implications for his availability in upcoming games. Naturally, the Grizzlies will monitor Morant very closely. They’re eager, of course, to determine what the severity of his injury is and what it means for their chances at reaching the playoffs.
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