In Game 1, with Ja Morant on the floor, the Memphis Grizzlies appeared set for a fierce competition with the Los Angeles Lakers. But that would all quickly unravel with just under six minutes to play in the fourth quarter when the Grizzlies’ superstar suffered a hard fall on a shot attempt at the rim.
Morant would have no other way to break his fall other than to land on his hands, which caused his shooting hand to bend back awkwardly. The two-time All-Star would have to leave the game with the Grizzlies trailing the Lakers 105-101 and was unable to return.
That was on Sunday. Since then, doctors had a chance to evaluate Morant’s hand, with X-rays coming back negative, showing he didn’t suffer any fractures. Instead, the 23-year-old point guard was said to be dealing with “right-hand soreness.”
With two days of rest in between Game 1 and Wednesday’s Game 2 matchup at the FedEx Forum, Morant’s status was up in the air. Until now.
Just under an hour before tip-off, the Grizzlies officially ruled Morant out of Game 2.
Obviously, this is a big blow for a Memphis team already facing a one-game deficit with the Lakers sneaking away with a 128-112 win on Sunday. Instead of Morant leading the starting five, uber-efficient backup Tyus Jones will be the Grizzlies’ point guard, at least for one night.
Jones played 25 minutes in Game 1, finishing with nine points, three assists, two rebounds, a steal, and one turnover. He’ll now be asked to do much more.