Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant was helped off the floor after a hard fall on a dunk attempt during Game 3 of the NBA playoffs on April 24 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Morant fell after attempting a dunk with three minutes left in the second quarter, his progress impeded by Thunder defender Lu Dort. The officials reviewed the play but determined it was not a flagrant foul.

The Grizzlies’ star was in visible pain as he lay on the floor and was being attended to by the Grizzlies’ medical staff. He initially got up with help and headed toward the locker room, but had to return to the court, limping to the line to shoot two free throws.

He made one of two free throws as the FedExForum crowd cheered and chanted “MVP.” By shooting the free throws, Morant left open the option of returning to the game.

A frustrated Morant removed his jersey while limping off the floor and being helped by teammates.

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Morant was off to his best start of the series. Before leaving the game, he had 15 points and five assists in 16 minutes.

Morant out for the game

The Grizzlies downgraded Morant to out for the remainder of Game 3 with a hip injury.

Grizzlies guard Luke Kennard started the second half in place of Morant. Memphis led 77-51 at halftime against the Thunder.

Morant suffered ankle injury in play-in game

This is not Morant’s first injury of the playoffs. He sprained his ankle on April 15 in the loss to the Golden State Warriors. He was listed as questionable for the following play-in game against the Dallas Mavericks; he ended up playing after receiving extensive treatment on the ankle.

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at [email protected]. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.