The Memphis Grizzlies came dangerously close to pulling off a legendary comeback against the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Play-In Tournament — and they almost lost their superstar in the process.
Down 20 points in the second half, Ja Morant caught fire in the third quarter, helping Memphis claw their way back into the game. But midway through the comeback, disaster nearly struck. After hitting a floater along the baseline, Morant came down awkwardly and rolled his right ankle. He limped to the sideline in clear pain, leaving fans and teammates holding their breath.
Despite the scare, Morant stayed on the bench instead of heading to the locker room. No ice, no heat — just movement and determination. After a few tense minutes, he returned to the floor. He wasn’t moving at full speed, but still managed to make big plays down the stretch, nearly leading Memphis all the way back before the Warriors ultimately held on for a 121-116 win.
Postgame, TNT’s Allie LaForce reported that the Grizzlies were cautiously optimistic. There were no plans for an X-ray and no official injury update, but Morant finished the game and looked noticeably better by the final buzzer. “Best-case scenario” is how the Grizzlies framed it.
Morant confirmed as much himself, making it crystal clear that he has no plans to sit out Memphis’ win-or-go-home second play-in game.
“I’m playing,” Morant said bluntly. “That’s basically the answer I’m giving. It ain’t nothing different.”
Memphis will now return home, where they’ll host either the Dallas Mavericks or Sacramento Kings. The winner will move on to face the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs.
With Ja Morant determined to suit up — bum ankle and all — the Grizzlies are far from done.
