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The Memphis Grizzlies' NBA playoffs life is on the verge of flatlining following a shocking Game 3 implosion versus the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night. If this group is going to shatter logic and history by becoming the first team to overcome an 0-3 deficit, it needs a healthy Ja Morant. That will almost certainly not be the case, though.
The star point guard suffered a hip injury after incurring a Luguentz Dort foul on a drive in the first half. He was ruled out for the remainder of the game and returned to the bench area on crutches, per ClutchPoints reporter Chris Dodson. Memphis led 67-40 when he left the floor and increased that lead to a game-high 29.
But Morant's misfortune foreshadowed the colossal collapse that transpired in FedExForum. The Grizzlies, who went into halftime leading the No. 1 seed in the West 77-51, scored only 31 points over the last two quarters and lost 114-108. It is obviously difficult for a team to overcome the loss of its top offensive player, but Memphis competed in 32 games without Morant. Moreover, a 29-point cushion should be insurmountable regardless of circumstances.
Grizzlies – Ja Morant – Crutches – #GrindCity https://t.co/WW2IDu25aC pic.twitter.com/eOBS8yD9E9
— Dodson (@DoingItDodson) April 25, 2025
Grizzlies fall apart in a must-win Game 3
Chet Holmgren caught fire– dropping 24 points and making five 3-pointers– and Alex Caruso made the crucial hustle plays in the second half, finishing with 10 points, six rebounds and four steals in 23 minutes of action. The Grizzlies also made sure to do their part to aid the Thunder's historic comeback, committing 16 turnovers and exercising poor shot selection down the stretch.
The brutal loss will overshadow a terrific showing by Scottie Pippen Jr. He scored a team-high 28 points on 8-of-16 shooting. Ja Morant was off to a hot start himself, posting 15 points (6-of-11) and five assists in 15 minutes before exiting. Although this was a freak incident in which he got undercut by Dort, the 25-year-old's high-flying nature continues to result in occasional hazard.
Grizzlies fans cherish the energy and intensity that Morant embodies on the floor, but they are also desperate to see him compete. Even if he suits up in Game 4 of this opening-round playoff series, Memphis will likely begin its offseason in the near future. Uncertainty will then await.
