In Memphis, Tennessee, Ja Morant, a two-time All-Star, assured fans that his sprained right ankle wouldn’t sideline him from the crucial play-in matchup against Dallas, which would determine the Western Conference’s final playoff spot on Friday night. Morant not only played, but he delivered a spectacular performance that added to his series of highlight-worthy plays. One such moment included a remarkable one-handed slam which sent teammate Desmond Bane cheering, “Showtime!” as Morant soared with his eyes level with the rim.
Morant lit up the first half, scoring 16 out of his 22 points, helping Memphis maintain control in a 120-106 win. This victory secured them the No. 8 seed and a place in Game 1 against top-seeded Oklahoma City on Sunday. Reflecting on playing through his injury, Morant joked, “I couldn’t feel it… so I was out there.” Bane, confident in Morant’s abilities, noted, “He’s an MVP-type player, a walking highlight reel. I was happy he was able to give it a go. I knew he was going to show up.”
Initially questionable for Friday’s game, Morant’s participation was uncertain as the training team worked to prepare him. His status was officially confirmed just half an hour before the game commenced. The mishap occurred in the third quarter during Tuesday’s game against Golden State, affecting the No. 7 seed’s prospects. Morant injured his ankle landing on Buddy Hield’s foot and briefly left the game. Though he returned in the fourth quarter, he only managed four points as the Grizzlies suffered a 121-116 loss.
Despite the setback, Morant was determined and took the court late in warm-ups to test his ankle. His daughter accompanied him, adding a warm touch to the scene. According to ESPN, Morant received a second treatment for his ankle just hours before the game began. Although he occasionally showed signs of discomfort when shooting free throws, Morant finished with nine rebounds, seven assists, and three steals. Interim coach Tuomas Iisalo eventually rested his starters in the final minute, with Morant completing a 33-minute playtime in the successful outing for the Grizzlies.
The standout moment of the game featured Morant skillfully navigating the lane and thrusting into the air, securing a miss by Santi Aldama with a dominant right-hand dunk. Jaren Jackson Jr., a witness to many of Morant’s incredible feats on the court, described the dunk as “crazy.” He added, “He was doing what he does. And you know that putback dunk was a huge energy boost at the right time. Dunked all over Santi’s head. It was lit.”
Tuomas Iisalo, the interim coach in charge for his 11th game with the Grizzlies this season, noted Morant’s remarkable play. “He comes up with some stuff that I’m not sure there’s any other human being on the planet that can do stuff like that…” Iisalo stated. He emphasized the importance of maintaining composure as a coach but admitted that Morant’s play “tested that side of me,” calling it an exceptional play. Throughout the regular season, injuries limited Morant to just 50 games, although he has been a steady presence in Memphis’ three playoff appearances since being selected second overall in the 2019 draft.