Ja Morant Ankle Injury: Guard Leads Grizzlies to NBA Playoffs

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Ja Morant Ankle Injury: Guard Leads Grizzlies to NBA Playoffs
photo via @jamorant

Ja Morant ankle injury playoffs wasn’t supposed to happen. After rolling his right ankle earlier this week against Golden State, even he wasn’t sure he’d be able to suit up. But when it mattered most, the Memphis star hit the court — and helped lock in a playoff spot for his team.

The Grizzlies defeated the Dallas Mavericks 120–106 on Friday night, officially clinching the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. Their reward? A first-round series against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder starting Sunday.

Ja Morant Overcomes Ankle Injury to Lead Grizzlies to Playoffs

Morant’s performance wasn’t just gutsy — it was effective. He posted 22 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds in 33 minutes, showing few signs of discomfort. It wasn’t effortless though. Before the game, he received a second pain-killing injection to get through the matchup.

“I feel like this one was more difficult than others,” Morant said postgame. “The whole process, learning what I’d have to do to get out there. I was kind of questioning it, but the staff and doctors gave me everything I needed to understand it all.”

Once he hit the floor, he made his presence known early — including a signature one-handed dunk that had teammate Desmond Bane calling out “Showtime!”

No Doubt in Morant’s Mentality

While Morant occasionally limped between plays, he didn’t let up on the court. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo said it’s hard to count him out.

“I’ve learned not to doubt him too much,” Iisalo said. “He comes up with stuff that I’m not sure any other human on the planet can do.”

Asked whether he’ll keep getting injections through the playoffs, Morant told ESPN, “That’s a question for somebody else. I’m going to be out there regardless.”

Looking Ahead to a Tough First Round

Next up for Memphis is a showdown with Oklahoma City — a team that’s had their number lately. The Grizzlies have lost nine straight to the Thunder, including four this season alone, all by double digits.

Still, the team is staying focused.

“A series is a series,” said forward Jaren Jackson Jr., who scored 24 in Friday’s win. “You’ve got to stay level-headed. Whether you win a game or lose a game, it really doesn’t matter until it’s over.”

With Morant leading a young, energetic roster, Memphis is heading into the playoffs with momentum — and a bit of a chip on their shoulder.

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