Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant played in the Western Conference elimination game against the Dallas Mavericks despite a sprained right ankle that required extensive treatment. The team confirmed his participation shortly before the game after he completed warmups. Morant, who suffered the injury during a play-in loss to the Warriors, underwent an MRI and received pain-killing injections for relief. Despite still experiencing significant soreness and swelling, interim coach Tuomas Iisalo noted Morant’s determination to play. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd acknowledged Morant’s toughness and expected him on the court, as he previously finished a game with 22 points despite the injury.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Grizzlies star Ja Morant participated in Friday night’s Western Conference elimination game against the Dallas Mavericks, despite dealing with a sprained right ankle that needed significant treatment in the days leading up to the game.
The team confirmed Morant’s inclusion in the lineup 30 minutes before the game as he completed his individual warmup.
The sprain he sustained against the Golden State Warriors earlier this week in a play-in game would typically keep him sidelined during the regular season, according to sources cited by ESPN.
On Thursday, Morant underwent an MRI to assess the sprain’s severity and received an injection aimed at reducing the pain, sources indicated. Additionally, he received another pain-relieving injection on Friday.
“I know he’s doing everything he can to get on the court,” Grizzlies interim coach Tuomas Iisalo stated before the game on Friday.
However, sources noted that Morant was still experiencing considerable soreness and swelling in the ankle.
During his pregame warmups, which were delayed by about five minutes, he chose not to wear a brace on the ankle and occasionally displayed a slight limp.
“We’re prepared to see Ja,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd remarked. “He’s a competitor. He’s a tough guy. … We have confidence that he’ll play.”
Morant twisted the ankle when he landed on Buddy Hield’s foot and was fouled by the Warriors’ Quinten Post with 4:25 remaining in the third quarter on Tuesday. He limped off briefly but managed to finish a three-point play before heading to the bench to tend to the injury. He returned early in the fourth quarter and concluded the game with 22 points.