Tim MacMahonESPN Staff Writer3:03 AM IST1 Minute Read
MEMPHIS — Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant cried out in agony as he ran a right-handed run off the court midway through the fourth quarter of Sunday’s Game 1 against the Los Angeles Lakers and failed to return.
Memphis was four points behind when Morant retired and lost 128-112, with the Lakers ending the game on a 23-11 run after Memphis lost their starting point keeper.
Morant played with that hand wrapped as a result of an injury in the last week of the regular season. He injured his hand again when it slammed the court at 5:48 in the fourth quarter when he fell after charging into Lakers big man Anthony Davis. Morant attempted to attack the basket and pass Davis but was called out for an offensive foul.
After staying on the ground for a few seconds, Morant got up and immediately ran past the Grizzlies’ bench and into the locker room. Morant wore a more extensive black wrap on his right hand when he returned to the Grizzlies’ bench, but he didn’t check back into the game.
Morant was not listed on the Grizzlies’ injury report when he came into the game. Coach Taylor Jenkins said ahead of the game Morant would not have any restrictions due to the sore hand.
Memphis will host the Lakers for Game 2 on Wednesday night.