Ja Morant Ruled Out for Remainder of Season Following Hip Injury
BY NBA
May 12, 2025
In a devastating blow to the Memphis Grizzlies, star point guard Ja Morant has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2024-25 NBA season due to a significant hip injury sustained during Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The injury occurred late in the second quarter when Morant was undercut while attempting a fast-break dunk, leading to a hard fall that left him writhing in pain on the court. He was subsequently helped off the floor and later seen on crutches in the tunnel near the Memphis bench .
This injury marks the latest in a series of setbacks for Morant, who has struggled with various health issues throughout the season. Earlier in the year, he missed eight games due to a posterior hip subluxation and associated pelvic muscle strains, injuries sustained after a midair collision during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers . Despite these challenges, Morant had been performing at a high level, averaging 23.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game during the regular season.
The Grizzlies were leading the Thunder by 27 points when Morant exited the game. However, his departure seemed to shift the momentum, and Memphis ultimately lost the game 114-108, falling into a 3-0 deficit in the series . The team’s inability to close out the game without their star player has raised concerns about their depth and resilience.
With Morant sidelined, the Grizzlies face an uphill battle to stay competitive in the series. Backup point guard Tyus Jones is expected to take over the starting role, but the team will need contributions from others, including Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., to fill the void left by Morant’s absence. The Grizzlies’ coaching staff will also need to adjust their game plan to account for the loss of their primary playmaker and scorer.
Looking ahead, the Grizzlies will need to focus on maintaining team chemistry and executing their game plan effectively. While Morant’s absence is a significant setback, it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and showcase their abilities. The team’s performance in the coming games will be crucial in determining their prospects for the remainder of the season.
In the long term, the Grizzlies will need to assess Morant’s injury and recovery timeline to plan for the future. His health will be a key factor in the team’s success moving forward, and ensuring his full recovery will be paramount. The organization will likely take a cautious approach to his rehabilitation to prevent further complications.
For now, the Grizzlies’ focus remains on the current playoff series. While the loss of Morant is a significant blow, the team has shown resilience in the past and will look to rally together in his absence. The coming games will test their depth, determination, and ability to adapt to challenging circumstances.
As the series progresses, all eyes will be on Memphis to see how they respond to the adversity of losing their star player. The outcome of this series could have lasting implications for the team’s future and their aspirations for championship contention.
For more updates on Ja Morant’s recovery and the Grizzlies’ playoff journey, stay tuned to official team channels and sports news outlets.
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