The world was probably not expecting Ja Morant to end up with an injury right off the bat in the post-season. Ever since he started his journey in the NBA, the point guard has shown off his hyper-athletic nature. From high-flying dunks to slicing through defenders creatively, Ja had everybody in awe of his work. However, his abilities have sometimes been his biggest enemy.
The 2nd-seeded Memphis Grizzlies commence their post-season run against the 7th-seeded Los Angeles Lakers. LA is a struggling team and so the Grizzlies were favored to win. Under Ja Morant’s leadership, Memphis has achieved a lot. But the rest of their playoff run is now in jeopardy as Morant went down hard toward the end of Game 1. As he drove to the basket, the Lakers’ Anthony Davis stepped in to defend him.
Morant was already airborne as he collided with Davis and fell to the floor. The point guard tried to extend his hands forward to absorb the force on impact. In an attempt to minimize the risk, he ended up injuring his right hand. Morant laid down on the ground in pain and eventually got up, calling for a time-out.Will Ja Morant return for Game 2 against the Los Angeles Lakers?
NBA Insider Tim MacMahon announced on Twitter that the X-Ray results of Ja Morant’s hand are negative. According to MacMahon, Taylor Jenkins said that Morant was already dealing with an injury on the same hand. Unfortunately, all signs point towards Game 2 potentially being in jeopardy. Ja makes up for most of the Grizzlies’ offense and is an important voice on the court.
“He’s in some pain,” Taylor Jenkins said of Ja Morant. The Grizzlies’ medical staff is evaluating Morant’s hand and wrist. He was already dealing with an injury to that hand. https://t.co/VwDpo8LJZ6
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) April 16, 2023
According to NBC Sports, Morant said, “I’m in a good bit of pain. My main focus was to be out there for my guys. Another incident where, you know, that’s pretty much in jeopardy.” He averaged 26.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game on 46.6% shooting. Morant also leads the team in steals, averaging 1.1 per game.
Ja Morant says his status for Game 2 is “in jeopardy.” He was downtrodden and not even able to use his right hand to undo a balled-up pair of socks. “Feels like it’s one thing after another.”
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) April 16, 2023
The Lakers secured a victory in Game 1 with a score of 128-112 against the Grizzlies. Four Laker players recorded over 20 points, with Rui Hachimura contributing the highest among them. He scored 29 points, which was backed by 22 points and 12 rebounds from AD. LeBron James had 21 points and 11 rebounds. For the Grizzlies, Jaren Jackson Jr. recorded 31 points in an attempt to lead the team.
Morant was injured but managed to score 18 points. The Lakers were far better than before and dominated offensively and defensively. Memphis will host LA on Wednesday, but Morant’s availability remains unknown.