With Ja Morant absent due to a hip contusion, the Memphis Grizzlies lost 115-117 to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday, losing to the Western Conference first round with a total score of 0-4.

Memphis Grizzlies interim head coach Tuomas Iisalo confirmed Morant's absence before the game and said fortunately the injury was not serious. Morant had been listed as "doubtful" since Friday's injury report and ultimately failed to play, leaving the Memphis Grizzlies without one of their most important offensive weapons.

Morant was injured in a fast break at the end of the second quarter of Game 3. Morant and teammate Scotty Pippen Jr. were advancing the offense. After taking off, he was hit by Luguentz Dort who lost his balance. As a result, Morant was unable to adjust his landing and fell heavily to the ground. The referee reviewed the video and determined that it was a common foul. Morant insisted on returning to the court to take two free throws, but both missed. After that, he limped off and failed to return again.

At that time, the Memphis Grizzlies had a 27-point lead, leading 67-40. However, with Morant absent, the team lost control on both ends of the offense and defense in the second half, and was outscored 63-31 by the Oklahoma City Thunder, eventually completing the second largest comeback collapse in NBA playoff history.

Morant has been absent frequently due to injuries this season, and now he has fallen again at a critical moment in the playoffs, which has dealt a heavy blow to the team. Although Isalo emphasized that Morant has avoided a more serious injury, the Memphis Grizzlies have no chance to continue playing this season. How to adjust the lineup and ensure the health of the core players during the offseason will become an important issue for the team in the future.