CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Memphis Grizzlies showcased their strength on Tuesday night, defeating the Charlotte Hornets 124-100, thanks in part to a stellar performance from Ja Morant, who scored 28 points, along with five rebounds and eight assists. However, the night was marred by a serious injury to rookie guard Jaylen Wells, who broke his right wrist after a hard fall during a fast-break dunk.
The incident occurred with just over a minute left in the second quarter when Wells was undercut by Hornets guard K.J. Simpson. The collision sent Wells crashing to the floor, where he remained motionless for several minutes before being attended to by medical staff. He was eventually taken off the court on a stretcher, his head secured to prevent any further injury, and transported to a local hospital.
Wells, who was starting his 74th game, was alert and moving his extremities after the accident, as confirmed by his agent Aman Dhesi. "He’s awake, alert and moving his extremities," Dhesi told ESPN. Wells’ father also provided an update, stating that his son was concerned about the game’s score. "He has a swollen wrist, face, jaw and back pain. Prob concussion. We are waiting for X-rays to get done!" Fred Wells shared in a text message.
As for the game, the Grizzlies took control early, with Desmond Bane scoring five of the first seven points, leading to a quick 7-0 advantage. Memphis never trailed in the contest. Bane finished the game with 19 points, while Zach Edey added 17 points and a staggering 19 rebounds. Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 14 points to the Grizzlies’ victory, which improved their record to 47-32, keeping them competitive in the tightly packed Western Conference playoff race.
Charlotte’s Miles Bridges led his team with 14 points, but the Hornets struggled to find their rhythm throughout the game. Despite converting 15 of 32 three-point attempts, they were unable to overcome the Grizzlies’ early lead and defensive pressure.
The injury to Wells overshadowed the game’s outcome, leading to a pause in play for over 20 minutes as medical teams responded. Referees reviewed the play and deemed Simpson’s foul a Flagrant 2, resulting in his automatic ejection. The Grizzlies led 62-44 at the time of the injury, a critical moment that shifted the focus from the game’s competitive nature to the well-being of a young player.
Wells, drafted in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft out of Washington State, has been a vital contributor to the Grizzlies this season, averaging 10.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. His performance and durability have made him a key player for Memphis, participating in all 79 games to date.
The Grizzlies are navigating a challenging period after recently parting ways with head coach Taylor Jenkins, promoting Tuomaos Iisalo to interim head coach. Memphis entered the game against Charlotte with a 2-3 record since the coaching change, and the team is eager to solidify their playoff position as the season winds down.
Looking ahead, the Grizzlies will host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday, April 10, 2025, while the Hornets will travel to Toronto for their next matchup on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. The Grizzlies are hoping to build on this victory, but the health and recovery of Jaylen Wells will undoubtedly be a priority for the organization in the coming days.
As the Grizzlies celebrate their win, they also rally around their injured teammate, hoping for a swift recovery for Wells. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the physicality of professional basketball and the risks players face on the court.
