The Memphis Grizzlies got some very tough news on Thursday night.
Not only did they blow a massive lead against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but they also lost their biggest star, Ja Morant.
Morant was injured during the second quarter of the game after suffering a hard fall while battling against OKC’s Lu Dort.
Following the game, Dort talked to ESPN and gave his insight into the incident.
“It’s a tough one,” Dort said. “I was running back, making a hustle play for my team. I was running quick, stopped on a dime. I didn’t know he was behind me and I was slipping, so I still tried to make a play on the ball. … I hope he’s OK. I obviously didn’t mean to hit him like that.”
Morant fell to the hardwood after Dort fouled him on a fast break attempt.
He immediately limped to make his free throws, missed both, and then checked out of the game and made his way to the locker room.
Morant was later seen on crutches, and now his status for Saturday’s game is in doubt.
This is very troubling for Memphis because now Saturday’s match is a potential elimination game.
The Thunder now hold a 3-0 lead after coming back from a 29-point deficit.
Saturday’s game is do-or-die, and the Grizzlies would love to have Morant on the court, but the fact that he was on crutches casts serious doubt on his future.
This isn’t Morant’s first injury of the season, but it might end up being the most impactful yet, especially if Memphis is eliminated on Saturday.
Morant will be evaluated by Memphis’ medical team on Friday, and more information will then be made available.
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