Ja Morant Exits Memphis Grizzlies’ Game 1 Loss to LA Lakers With Hand Injury

• Ja Morant injured his right hand in the Grizzlies’ Game 1 loss to the Lakers
• He landed awkwardly after attempting a dunk in the fourth quarter
• X-rays came back negative, but Morant said his status for Game 2 is “in jeopardy”

It was a sight Memphis Grizzlies fans didn’t want to see.

Ja Morant screamed in pain as he ran off the court midway through the fourth quarter of Game 1 against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The 23-year-old exited the game after injuring his right hand.

Morant used that hand to try to brace his fall after colliding with Lakers big man Anthony Davis in midair following his dunk attempt, per CBS Sports.

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He immediately subbed out of the contest and headed straight to the locker room to get his injured hand checked out.

Morant returned to the Memphis bench minutes later but did not play again.

Grizzlies collapse after Morant's exit

His injury came at a critical time for the Grizzlies, who were trying to stage a late comeback against the Lakers.

They trailed 105-101 with 5:48 left when Morant left the court.

The Lakers took full advantage of his sudden absence, outscoring the Grizzlies 23-11 the rest of the way. They went on a 15-0 run during that period to take the series opener.

Morant injury update

The question now is: will Morant be fit for Game 2 and the rest of the series?

The good news for Memphis is that the X-rays on Morant’s injured hand returned negative.

Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins confirmed that development in a press conference after Game 1, saying that Morant will continue to be evaluated in the days leading up to Game 2, which takes place on Wednesday.

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The bad news for the Grizzlies is that Morant said his current pain level in his injured right hand is a 10.

Morant is an integral part of the Grizzlies, who are already without key big men Brandon Clarke and Steven Adams for the entirety of their postseason run.

He recorded 18 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals before hurting his hand in Game 1.

Morant torched Lakers this season

Sports Brief recently previewed the Lakers vs Grizzlies series.

Morant was identified as one of the key players in this Western Conference matchup.

He averaged 30.5 points, 9.0 assists, and 6.5 rebounds in two games against Los Angeles this past regular season.