Ja Morant Shakes Off Ankle Scare in Grizzlies' Gritty Play-In Loss to Warriors

Ja Morant's Gutsy Return Not Enough as Warriors Outlast Grizzlies

Most NBA fans remember those playoff nights when drama spills over at every turn—the win-or-go-home scenarios where stars either crumble or define their legacy. For the Memphis Grizzlies, April 16 felt like one of those nights. They needed their leader, Ja Morant, to be at his best in a do-or-die play-in face-off against the Golden State Warriors. But basketball rarely reads the script you want it to.

Midway through the third quarter, all eyes were on Morant as he drove hard to the basket, only to come down badly on Buddy Hield’s foot. The whole arena seemed to freeze. Morant grimaced painfully, limped to the sideline, and had the training staff tend to what looked like a painful rolled ankle. The clock, the crowd, even his teammates seemed to hold their breath as their franchise cornerstone tried to walk it off.

But adrenaline is a funny thing. By the start of the fourth quarter, Morant was back—hobbling, sweating, but determined. He finished with 22 points, but you could see the limp in his step and the struggle in every explosive move that would normally be his signature. Still, he gutted it out, swelling as the game grew tight. Every bucket felt tougher. Every cut looked hesitant. Yet he refused to let the Grizzlies’ season fade out without a fight.

Bane’s Effort, Warriors’ Firepower, and Morant’s Promise

Desmond Bane wasn’t just a supporting act—he flat-out carried the scoring load with 30 points, chasing every open look and attacking the basket. But the Warriors had their stars clicking at just the right time. Stephen Curry, with his ridiculous handles and outside shooting, poured in 36 points. And Jimmy Butler—yeah, that Jimmy Butler—went off for another 38, making the big shots just when the Grizzlies clawed close.

Those moments when you wonder if a team can keep pace—those were frequent. The Grizzlies chipped away at the Warriors’ lead late, but every momentum shift evaporated after Curry or Butler silenced the crowd. Golden State looked every bit the team determined to make some postseason noise, closing it out 121-116 and punching their playoff ticket as the West’s seventh seed. Afterward, Draymond Green sounded almost in awe of Morant, calling him “special” and praising the “heart of a lion.” That’s the respect you only get from those who’ve been in the trenches.

For Memphis, it was a bitter finish, but hope flickers. The play-in tourney isn’t a one-and-done heartbreak—yet. The Grizzlies now stare down another elimination game, this time against whoever survives the Sacramento Kings vs. Dallas Mavericks showdown. Morant’s already said he’s suiting up, injury and all. Given his stubborn return Wednesday, it’s hard to doubt him, no matter how badly that ankle feels.

The Warriors? They keep rolling and will meet the Houston Rockets for what’s sure to be a high-octane first-round battle. But fans across the league will remember Morant’s fearless fourth-quarter return—a reminder that postseason basketball rewards heart as much as talent.