The Memphis Grizzlies were already teetering on the edge heading into Game 3 of their first-round playoff matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. After losing both Game 1 (131-80) and Game 2 (118-99) on the road, with Game 1 going down as the largest margin of defeat in playoff Game 1 history, FedEx Forum was supposed to be a place of redemption in Game 3.
Fans clung to a sliver of hope that a return home would shift the tide. But what began as a high-energy game under clear skies turned stormy in a matter of moments.
Ja Morant, who had already been dealing with disciplinary and injury issues, was injured in the second quarter of Game 3 and had to leave the court, leaving Memphis without a key player.
However, after the game, OKC’s Lu Dort, who was one of the reasons behind Morant’s injury, had a message for the Grizzlies star.
Lu Dort’s Message for Ja Morant After Injury
After the game, Luguentz Dort didn’t shy away from the incident. The usually stoic Thunder guard was visibly emotional in the post-game interview.
“I was slipping. I tried to make a play on the ball, but we just ran into each other, and he fell down. But I hope he’s OK. I didn’t mean to hit him like that.”
Lu Dort on his collision with Ja Morant
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— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 25, 2025
“Tough one. I hope he’s OK. I was running back, making the hustle play for my team. I was running quick, stopped on the dime. I didn’t know he was behind me, and I was slipping.”
“Tried to make a play on the ball, but we just ran into each other, he fell down. Obviously, they need him. I didn’t mean to hit him like that,” said Dort when he was asked about Morant’s injury during the interview.
But how did the injury happen?
Late in the second quarter, Scotty Pippen Jr. made a heads-up play, darting into a passing lane for a steal that sent the Memphis crowd into a frenzy. Sprinting up the floor, Pippen delivered a stylish behind-the-back pass to Morant, who had his eyes set on a rim-rattling dunk.
Dort, hustling back on defense, slipped while attempting to intercept the pass. In an unfortunate twist of fate, Dort’s momentum carried him directly into Morant’s path. The contact came mid-air, just before Morant could finish his leap.
The two-time All-Star was undercut and came crashing down, face-first, slamming onto his midsection. Silence swept through the arena as Morant lay on the floor, visibly in pain. Moments later, he exited the game and did not return. Reports confirmed he had suffered a significant hip injury.
Oh my god bro… Ja Morant down on the court in pain after being undercut by Lu Dort.
— De🅿️ressed Warriors Fan 💔 (@GoIdenState) April 25, 2025
Morant’s night ended with 15 points in just 16 minutes, a stark contrast to the kind of performance Memphis needed from its star to stay alive in the series. Moreover the most heartbreaking thing was that at halftime the Grizzlies had the lead by 26 points. But Morant’s injury changed the flow of the game and OKC ended up defeating the Grizzlies (114-108).
“It was big that he still got up and shot the free throws. When he was at the line, I dapped him up and I apologized. It’s never good when a good player like that goes down,” added Dort during the interview.
While the Thunder took Game 3 and now hold a commanding 3-0 series lead, the story of the night wasn’t about the scoreboard. As Memphis grapples with the loss of its leader, the entire NBA community is left hoping Morant’s road to recovery is swift.
NBA Legend Believes It Was a Morant’s Teammate’s Fault
Whether intentional or not, it was quite visible that Dort’s slipping caused Morant to land awkwardly on the court and suffer an injury. However, an NBA legend believes it wasn’t Dort’s fault at all. Instead, the blame might lie closer to home.
In a recent episode of ‘NBA on TNT,” Charles Barkley shared his strong opinion after reviewing the gameplay. According to Barkley, the real fault lies with Morant’s teammate, Scotty Pippen Jr. Barkley explained that Pippen had a clear path to the basket and could have easily finished the play himself.
“I hate to say this, but that was Pippen’s fault. He should have laid that ball in,” said Barkley during the segment.
Barkley’s point isn’t without merit. Watching the replay, Pippen Jr. clearly had an open lane and the opportunity to score. He finished the game with 28 points in 38 minutes, showing he had the hot hand. If Morant is ruled out for the next game, the Grizzlies will need Pippen Jr. to give his maximum effort and step up in his absence.