Grizzlies’ Playoff Hopes Crushed as Morant Injury Looms Large
Oklahoma City, OK – The Memphis Grizzlies’ 2025 playoff journey came to a swift and disappointing end on Saturday night, swept in four games by a determined Oklahoma City Thunder squad. However, the finality of their postseason exit was overshadowed by the concerning injury to their star point guard, Ja Morant, who suffered a hard fall in Game 3 that ultimately sidelined him for the remainder of the series.
The pivotal moment occurred in the second quarter of Friday night’s contest at the Paycom Center. Morant, known for his explosive athleticism and fearless drives to the basket, collided mid-air with Thunder guard Luguentz Dort while attempting a dunk. The impact sent Morant crashing to the court, landing heavily on his left hip.
A hush fell over the arena as Morant lay on the court, visibly in pain. While he bravely rose to shoot his subsequent free throws – both of which missed – it was evident that he was significantly hampered. He immediately retreated to the locker room and did not return to the game, leaving the Grizzlies to battle without their offensive engine and emotional leader.
The initial diagnosis from the Grizzlies’ medical staff was a left hip contusion. While seemingly not a season-ending injury in isolation, the severity was underscored by the announcement that Morant would be unavailable for the crucial Game 4, where the Grizzlies faced elimination while trailing 2-0 in the series.
Without their dynamic playmaker, the Grizzlies struggled to generate consistent offense and match the energy of the Thunder. Oklahoma City capitalized on Morant’s absence, securing a decisive victory in Game 4 and ending Memphis’s playoff aspirations.
Following the sweep, Morant addressed the media, reflecting on a season plagued by nagging injuries. “I felt like a lot of these injuries were out of my control,” he stated, expressing frustration with his inability to stay fully healthy during critical junctures. Despite the hip contusion, he noted that, aside from the injury setbacks, this season felt relatively healthier compared to previous years where knee and back issues had troubled him.
The impact of Morant’s injury extends beyond the immediate playoff loss. The uncertainty surrounding his recovery and potential long-term effects will undoubtedly be a point of concern for the Grizzlies organization and their fanbase heading into the offseason. Morant is the undisputed cornerstone of the team, and his health is paramount to their future success.
This premature playoff exit, compounded by the worrisome injury to their star, leaves a bitter taste for the Memphis Grizzlies. While the Oklahoma City Thunder proved to be a formidable opponent, the lingering question of “what if” Morant had remained healthy will undoubtedly haunt the team and its supporters throughout the summer. The focus now shifts to Morant’s recovery and the Grizzlies’ offseason strategy as they look to regroup and return stronger in the 2025-2026 season.