Ja Morant, the star guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, has been ruled out for Game 4 against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to a hip contusion sustained in Game 3. Interim coach Tuomas Iisalo confirmed the news, noting that Morant avoided serious injury. The Grizzlies face a challenging situation as they attempt to avoid being swept in the first round of the playoffs without one of their key offensive players.

Morant's injury occurred during a fast break, where he collided with Luguentz Dort, resulting in a significant fall. Despite starting to limp off the court, Morant returned briefly to attempt free throws but ultimately could not continue. The Grizzlies, who held a substantial lead at halftime, experienced a dramatic collapse in the second half, making this absence even more crucial in their playoff bid.

Ja Morant's absence in Game 4 against the Oklahoma City Thunder is a significant blow for the Memphis Grizzlies, who are facing elimination. Morant limped off the court in Game 3 after sustaining a left hip injury during a play involving Luguentz Dort. Despite his efforts to continue, including taking two free throws, he was quickly sidelined. Coach Tuomas Iisalo has not confirmed Morant's status for the critical matchup, citing ongoing evaluations.

This postseason has been a challenging one for Morant, who also dealt with a right ankle sprain earlier in the playoffs. The former Rookie of the Year has had a history of injuries this season, missing 32 games in total. His absence raises questions about the Grizzlies' ability to overcome the 0-3 deficit, as no team has successfully done so in NBA playoff history.

Ja Morant's health is a major concern for the Memphis Grizzlies as he exited Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to a hip injury. Morant fell hard after being fouled by Luguentz Dort, resulting in him limping off the court after attempting two free throws. The Grizzlies had a commanding lead of 29 points when he left, with Morant contributing 15 points and 5 assists in just 16 minutes. His injury comes after he had already missed considerable time during the regular season due to various ailments, including a significant hip issue earlier this season.

As the Grizzlies advance in the playoffs, Morant's condition will be critical. They managed to lead without him, but his absence could impact their chances significantly. The Grizzlies will need to monitor his progress closely, as his health will be pivotal for any extended playoff run.

In a surprising turn, the Oklahoma City Thunder only secured one finalist for the prestigious NBA awards despite a staggering 68-14 record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has rightfully earned a spot among the MVP finalists, alongside giants Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, the absence of Lu Dort in the Defensive Player of the Year conversations has raised eyebrows, especially after his stellar performances this season.

Despite the Thunder's dominant defensive showing in their playoff debut against the Memphis Grizzlies, where they limited Ja Morant to just 17 points, Dort's exclusion has sparked frustration among teammates. Alex Caruso, a two-time All-Defensive Team member, champions Dort's defensive prowess, emphasizing that he embodies what a top defender should be. The Thunder's campaign for recognition for Dort reflects the broader narrative of how exceptional performances can sometimes be overlooked in award discussions.

The Oklahoma City Thunder's strong performance this season has overshadowed individual accolades, leaving Lu Dort's candidacy for Defensive Player of the Year out in the cold. After a commanding win over the Memphis Grizzlies, the Thunder had only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recognized among the MVP finalists, despite the team's stellar 68-14 record. Dort, a key defensive player, has not received the recognition he deserves, with teammates expressing their disappointment over his omission. Coach Mark Daigneault praised Dort's impact on the team and respect within the locker room, while players like Isaiah Hartenstein and Aaron Wiggins echoed the sentiment that Dort's contributions go beyond mere statistics.