MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Grizzlies’ standout guard Ja Morant is sidelined for Game 4 of the playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The absence is due to a hip contusion that Morant sustained during Game 3. Interim coach Tuomas Iisalo announced the decision to sit Morant a couple of hours ahead of tip-off, reassuring fans that Morant’s condition isn’t severe but still necessitates caution.
Since the injury report was released on Friday afternoon, there were doubts about Morant’s ability to participate in the crucial game. Memphis faces a critical challenge as they attempt to stave off elimination in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs without one of their key offensive contributors.
The injury occurred late in the second quarter of Game 3 when Morant was advancing the ball on a fast break alongside his teammate Scotty Pippen. During the play, Luguentz Dort unintentionally collided with Morant’s feet, causing him to tumble awkwardly to the floor. After a review, the incident was classified as a common foul against Dort.
Despite the injury, Morant attempted to walk off the court but then returned briefly to take the free throws, missing both, to keep his option open for a possible return later. His brief return occurred when the Grizzlies held a significant lead of 67-40, having led by as much as 29 points just shortly before.
With Morant absent, the Grizzlies struggled and experienced a major setback, allowing the Thunder to outscore them 63-31 in the latter half of the game. This turnaround marked the second-largest collapse in NBA playoff history, underlining the team’s challenge without their dynamic guard in action.