Coming into the All-Star break, the Grizzlies were one of the hottest teams in the league having won 22 of their previous 27 games.
All-Star starter Ja Morant was a huge reason for that red-hot stretch with averages of 29.5 points, 6.9 assists and 6.2 rebounds on 50.9 percent shooting from the field.
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Against the Timberwolves, the Grizzlies' first game after the break, the 6-foot-3 guard had a rough outing even before getting injured midway through the third quarter.
Here's the play where Morant seemed to hurt his hip:
Ja Morant left the game after sustaining an injury on this play.
— Bally Sports: Grizzlies (@GrizzOnBally) February 25, 2022
Stay tuned. pic.twitter.com/oRBokTlRh3
He went back to the locker room and was out the rest of the third quarter, only to return and play out the entire fourth quarter.
BIG 12 BACK pic.twitter.com/tjZZvWXHLV
— Bally Sports: Grizzlies (@GrizzOnBally) February 25, 2022
Although his shooting struggles, from earlier in the game continued, Morant was certainly effective. He finished with 10 points and was eventually responsible for 14 of the team's 31 fourth-quarter points.
Seeming in discomfort, Morant's play through pain would have been enough if it wasn't for D'Angelo Russell's explosion. The Timberwolves guard scored 23 of his game-high 37 in the fourth, helping the hosts stay ahead and eventually win.
The Grizzlies All-Star finished the game with 20 points on 7-of-25 shooting from the field (4-of-15 before injury). Postgame, both Morant and head coach Taylor Jenkins shared details on his condition.
"Just a bad step. I had some pain in my hip....," Morant said postgame. "all good...just got to save me from myself."
While that's not a lot of detail, it certainly helps Grizzlies fans breathe a sigh of relief. Jenkins, however, said more, articulating that Morant was cramping up and went to the locker room to stretch out that hip.
He further added that he would receive treatment tomorrow. How will this impact his availability for future games?
Only time will tell. Memphis have a day off as they travel to Chicago to play the red-hot Bulls.
