Morant Exits Game 2 Following Hip Injury

MEMPHIS: Ja Morant, guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, was sidelined with a hip injury during Friday’s NBA Playoffs Game 2 clash against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The incident occurred with three minutes left in the first half, as Morant landed awkwardly under the basket. Subsequently, he was ruled out for the remainder of the contest, with Luke Kennard taking his place.

Officials reviewed the play for a potential flagrant foul, ultimately deeming it a common foul.

Before his departure, Morant accumulated 15 points, one rebound, and five assists. Alongside Scotty Pippen Jr., who posted 28 points, including five three-pointers in the first half, he was a key contributor.

The Grizzlies struggled in Morant’s absence, allowing the Thunder to capitalize.

Oklahoma City seized control in the third quarter with a 36-18 run and maintained momentum in the fourth, outscoring Memphis 27-13. This performance secured a 114-108 victory and extended their series advantage to 3-0.

Grizzlies interim head coach Tuomas Iisalo addressed Morant’s condition post-game, indicating further evaluations were scheduled.

“He’s going through further evaluations tomorrow, and then we’ll know more,” remarked Iisalo.

Iisalo also emphasized the significant impact of Morant’s absence on the team’s energy and execution.

“I would say quite drastically from the end result. But not only the energy, but also the execution.”

Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday at FedExForum, presenting the Grizzlies with a critical situation. Historically, no NBA team has overcome a 3-0 deficit in a playoff series, highlighting the challenge Memphis faces.