The Memphis Grizzlies experienced a tough defeat in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Unfortunately, the disappointment didn’t stop with the loss, as their star player, Ja Morant, suffered an injury during the game.
With three minutes and 20 seconds left in the second quarter, the Grizzlies had established a significant 27-point advantage over the Thunder. Fueled by the momentum of their lead, Ja Morant took off on a fast break, seemingly poised for an electrifying dunk. However, Thunder guard Lu Dort leaped into Morant’s path and undercut him as he ascended for the dunk.
The impact was jarring as Morant crashed to the floor, raising immediate concerns among players and fans alike. During the post-game interview, Lu Dort expressed his thoughts on this unexpected occurrence.
“Tough one. Obviously I hope he’s okay. I was running back, making a hustle play for my team. I was running quick, stopped on a dime,” Dort said. “I didn’t know he was behind me, and I was slipping. I tried to make a play on the ball, but we just ran into each other and he fell down. But I hope he’s okay. I didn’t mean to hit him like that.”
Lu Dort on Ja Morant:
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 25, 2025
“I was slipping. I tried to make a play on the ball, but we just ran into each other, and he fell down. But I hope he’s OK. I didn’t mean to hit him like that.”
(via @memphisnews) pic.twitter.com/cTTe6xUIZS
Following the incident, Morant exited the game and headed to the locker room for assessment. Subsequently, he received a diagnosis of a hip injury, which raises concerns about his upcoming performance and the team’s prospects.
Ja Morant’s Performance In Game 3 Against The OKC Thunder
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
The Grizzlies put forth a stellar effort to secure a crucial win after losing the first two games of the series. Ja Morant played 16 minutes, scoring 15 points, with 5 assists and 1 rebound. Scotty Pippen Jr. had a standout performance, playing for 38 minutes and scoring 28 points, along with 5 assists and 5 rebounds.
Jaren Jackson Jr. also made a significant impact, contributing 22 points, 2 assists, and 7 rebounds. However, after Morant left the game, the Grizzlies squandered their 27-point lead and ultimately lost, with a final score of 108-114. The Grizzlies are now 0-3 in the series against the Thunder. They will play Game 4 of the series at FedExForum, and they must win to keep their hopes of advancing alive.
