In a gripping showdown during the NBA Play-In Tournament, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant suffered a right ankle injury that put the team's playoff aspirations in jeopardy. The injury occurred on April 15, 2025, as Morant went up for a shot against the Golden State Warriors but landed awkwardly on the foot of Warriors guard Buddy Hield. This incident marked a pivotal moment in a game that saw the Grizzlies battling fiercely for a chance to advance to the playoffs.
Morant's injury happened midway through the third quarter when he attempted a shot that initially seemed promising. After making the basket, he fell to the court in visible pain, leading fans and teammates alike to hold their breath. "Oh man, the last thing the Grizzlies need is for Ja Morant to get hurt. That looked like a nasty tweak," one concerned fan expressed. Another chimed in, "Oh no, Ja Morant. Please let it not be a serious ankle injury," reflecting the anxiety surrounding the star's condition.
Despite the injury, Morant showcased his determination by staying in the game long enough to shoot a free throw, which he made before exiting the court. The referees reviewed the play for a potential flagrant foul but determined it was a common foul, allowing Morant to remain in the game temporarily. He finished the third quarter with impressive stats: 18 points on 7-of-14 shooting, along with two assists and two rebounds, helping the Grizzlies cut the Warriors' lead from 12 points at halftime to just three.
As the game progressed, the Grizzlies rallied without their star player, demonstrating resilience and grit. They managed to tie the game at 96 with just over nine minutes left in the fourth quarter, prompting Morant to return to the action despite his noticeable limp. "That's not a little bit of a limp," TNT analyst Reggie Miller remarked, emphasizing the severity of Morant's condition. Nevertheless, Morant quickly made an impact upon his return, sinking a mid-range jumper to tie the game.
The game continued to be a nail-biter, with both teams exchanging leads. However, the Warriors ultimately edged out the Grizzlies, winning 121-116 and securing the seventh seed in the playoffs. Golden State will now face the Houston Rockets in the first round. Morant's performance after returning from injury was a mixed bag; he finished the game with a total of 22 points, but his late-game turnover proved costly, allowing Stephen Curry to hit a crucial three-pointer that extended the Warriors' lead.
Morant's return to the game was a testament to his competitive spirit and desire to help his team succeed. However, it raised questions about his health moving forward. Given Morant's history with injuries, the Grizzlies are now faced with uncertainty regarding his status for their next game against the winner of the Kings versus Mavericks showdown, scheduled for Friday night. The Grizzlies need their star point guard if they hope to make a deep playoff run.
After the game, Morant's determination to battle through pain was evident, but so was the concern from fans and analysts alike about the potential impact of his injury. "Ja was clearly in pain and could not put much weight on his leg as he exited, but he stayed on the bench, indicating his desire to return," one sports analyst noted. His willingness to play through discomfort is commendable, but the lingering question remains: will the ankle swell in the coming days? This is a situation that fans and the Grizzlies organization will be monitoring closely.
In the wake of Morant's injury, the Grizzlies will need to rely on other players to step up. Scotty Pippen Jr. took on a more significant playmaking role, while Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. will be expected to create more scoring opportunities if Morant is unable to play. The team showed signs of resilience, outscoring the Warriors 36-27 in the third quarter, but they will need their star player to have any chance of advancing in the playoffs.
As the dust settles from this intense showdown, the focus now shifts to Morant's recovery and the Grizzlies' upcoming challenges. They have proven they can compete at a high level, but without Morant, their chances of success diminish significantly. Fans are left hoping for the best as they await updates on Morant's condition and the team's preparations for their next game.
