MEMPHIS — Whereas serving to his crew construct a 26-point lead within the first half, Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant sustained a tough foul by Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder guard Lu Dort with 3:15 left within the first half, ending Morant’s evening. When Dort slipped in an try to strip the ball, he bridged Ja within the course of, which led to a nasty fall as he suffered a hip damage. The Thunder erased a 29-point deficit to win Recreation 3.
Whereas the Grizzlies managed to stretch their result in 29 with out Morant, the Thunder outscored Memphis 36-18 within the third quarter earlier than taking their first lead of the evening with 1:20 left within the ultimate body, and by no means appeared again. Oklahoma Metropolis defeated the Grizzlies 114-108 to take a commanding 3-0 lead of their collection opening spherical.
After the win, Dort addressed his foul on Morant within the first half, per the Memphis Industrial Enchantment’s Jonah Dylan.
“Robust one,” Dort stated. “Clearly, I hope he’s OK. I used to be operating again, making a hustle play for my crew. I used to be operating fast, stopped on a dime. I didn’t know he was behind me, and I used to be slipping. I attempted to make a play on the ball, however we simply bumped into one another, and he fell down. However I hope he’s OK. I didn’t imply to hit him like that.”
The Thunder outscored the Grizzlies 27-13 within the ultimate body.
Mark Daigneault on Lu Dort’s foul on Ja Morant in Thunder’s win
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Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault delivered his tackle Lu Dort’s controversial foul on Ja Morant. Daigneault says he believes Dort’s foul was intentional, but in addition admitted it performed a big position within the Thunder’s historic comeback.
Daigneault revealed his sincere take earlier than stating he hopes Morant will totally recuperate.
“I by no means wanna see anyone get damage. I hope he’s OK. However you need all people to be at full energy,” Daigneault stated. “He’s an incredible competitor. He was taking part in nice. Clearly, that had one thing to do with the sport as nicely. It will be unsuitable for me to not acknowledge that. However I believe it was a clear play. I believe all people was taking part in exhausting. It’s simply unlucky, and I hope he’s alright.”
Morant exited the sport with 15 factors on 6-of-11 makes an attempt and 5 assists. Grizzlies’ Scotty Pippen Jr.’s 28 factors led 5 gamers in double figures, together with Jaren Jackson Jr. (22 factors), and Sani Aldama’s 14 factors led the bench. With a 3-0 lead, the Thunder has pushed the Grizzlies to the brink of elimination.