Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Ja Morant gives injury update after Grizzlies Play-In loss, Tuomas Iisalo compares him to Isiah Thomas

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Andrei De Guzman | Last updated Apr 16, 2025 12:45 PM ET

The Memphis Grizzlies’ fight for their season has taken a huge dent after losing against the Golden State Warriors.

The Grizzlies hit could not be more brutal after what happened to Ja Morant in the middle of the intense Play-In Tournament game.

With 4:25 remaining in the third frame of the high-stakes game for Playoff qualification, the Memphis Grizzlies star soared for a floater after an aggressive drive to the basket. But despite sinking the shot, he collapsed hard to the ground as he tweaked his right ankle.

Despite wincing in pain and subsequently getting treated from the nasty injury, Morant bravely maintained his availability for the remainder of the ball game against the Golden State Warriors.

His valiant efforts were not enough as he and the Grizzlies suffered from the perceived poor officiating of their tough 121-116 loss, sending them down for a do-or-die game.

Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Ja Morant return amid ankle woes earns lofty comparison

After taking a temporary break in order for his ankle to be checked, Morant fought through the pain, he was still able to get to the end..

Morant, finished with 22 points in 35 minutes of play, and obtained a lofty recognition from Tuomas Iisalo right after the game.

The Finnish interim mentor likened the courage of the Grizzlies guard to what Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas demonstrated in Game 6 of the 1988 NBA Finals.

“I mean, seeing him in that situation, to me, that generation that still remembers Isiah Thomas hopping around on one ankle,” Iisalo said. “It wasn’t quite that but hopefully it’s not as severe. I have no information on that.

“But it was inspiring. And I think it also lifted the guys up to see that their leader is putting it all on the line.”

Morant provides status ahead of Grizzlies’ elimination game

Besides the late-season dismissal of Taylor Jenkins, Morant’s situation has been a key narrative for the Grizzlies this 2024-25.

Redeeming himself for the past couple of years being at the center of league controversy, Morant appeared in 50 of the Grizzlies’ 82 regular season games, registering 23.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 4.1 rebounds in 30.4 minutes.

With their season on the line on April 18 as they await who will prevail between the knockout Play-In bout of both the Sacramento Kings and the Dallas Mavericks, the spirited Morant let it be known that he’ll be there and ready to lead Memphis for the final postseason berth of the Western Conference.

“I’m playing,” he said. “That’s basically the answer I’m giving. It ain’t nothing different.”

With Morant tenaciously keeping himself active, the entire Grizzlies can only be motivated to rally behind their leader in the most important game of their season.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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