The 2023 NBA postseason could not have gotten off to a worst start for the Memphis Grizzlies. They were beaten with relative ease by the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1, 128-112. The Grizzlies worked hard all regular season to ensure homecourt advantage as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference and after one game, they lost it.
But, the game wasn’t the biggest loss that the Grizzlies suffered. They still have six more chances to defeat the Lakers four times. But, that task became much more difficult after point guard Ja Morant suffered an injury in Game 1.
Morant suffered a right-hand injury in the fourth quarter with 5:48 remaining in the game when he attempted a layup over Anthony Davis, who slid into position to take a charge. The explosive point guard landed hard and bent his wrist when he hit the ground, in obvious pain.
It was a tough scene for the Grizzlies, who had major expectations heading into the postseason. But, it looked as if they would have to navigate things in the immediate future without their starting point guard.
“It’s tough man, especially with everything I’ve been through pretty much this whole season,” Morant said.
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS UPDATES: Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Morant was suspended earlier in the season for multiple off-the-court incidents. He was suspended eight games because of that and missed a ninth while preparing to return. Overall, he missed 21 games in the regular season. One of those games was the regular season finale against the Oklahoma City Thunder because of a bruise to his right hand that was suffered in the second to last game of the season against the Milwaukee Bucks.
While the x-rays on his hand and wrist were negative, Morant did admit that the pain was excruciating. He said the pain level was about a 10 and that there was doubt about his availability for Game 2 on Wednesday night.
“I’m gonna do anything to try to be out there for my team, be out there on the floor, pretty much how much I can tolerate, to like I can go out there and be somewhat like myself,” Morant said. “ If not, I don’t want to do anything to hurt the team.”
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS UPDATES: Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
While the Grizzlies would certainly prefer to have their All-Star on the court, this isn’t anything new. They have navigated large portions of the last two seasons without Morant in the lineup and found some success. This season Memphis was 11-10 without Morant in the lineup and during the 2021-22 campaign, they went 20-5.
“We’ve been in that position before without him on the floor, and Tyus is obviously capable to play a big role and make plays on both ends of the floor,” Desmond Bane said. “You know, so, hopefully, Ja is back Wednesday, but if not, Ty will be ready to go.”
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS UPDATES: Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Navigating the regular season without a star player and finding success is one thing. Doing it in the postseason, against an opponent that has LeBron James and Davis, is another. The Grizzlies will certainly have their work cut out for them if they want to get past the Lakers and into the second round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs.
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