Grizzlies Suffer Playoff Loss to Thunder After Morant Injury

MEMPHIS: Despite establishing a significant 29-point advantage, the Memphis Grizzlies were defeated by the Oklahoma City Thunder with a final score of 114-108 in Game 3 of their NBA playoff series held at FedExForum on Friday.

The Grizzlies demonstrated superior performance over the Thunder in the initial two quarters, leading by 26 points at halftime with a score of 77-51.

Ja Morant, along with Scotty Pippen Jr., spearheaded the Grizzlies’ offense. Morant accumulated 15 points, 1 rebound, and 5 assists before an awkward fall near the basket with three minutes left in the first half. Scotty Pippen Jr. contributed 28 points, including five 3-pointers during the first half.

Morant sustained a hip injury and was unable to continue playing. His absence impacted the Grizzlies, as the Thunder seized control, winning the third quarter 36-18 and the fourth quarter 27-13.

Thunder’s coach Mark Daigneault commented, “After halftime, we rediscovered our identity. Our first-half performance was uncharacteristic.”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the leading scorer for the Thunder, amassing 31 points, 8 assists, and 4 rebounds, supported by Jalen Williams, who added 26 points.

GIlgeous-Alexander stated, “They created a 29-point lead in one half, and we believed we simply needed to establish our own 29-point lead.”

Williams added, “It’s about understanding leads. You’re never too far ahead, and you’re never too far behind.”

Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday at FedExForum. The Grizzlies face considerable pressure, as they are down in the series, and historically, no team has recovered from a 3-0 deficit.