Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant limped off the floor in the third quarter of the NBA play-in game Tuesday, April 15, against the Golden State Warriors after appearing to hurt his right ankle.

Morant’s right foot stepped on Warriors guard Buddy Hield’s foot. The play resulted in a basket and a foul against Golden State. It was reviewed for a possible flagrant, but the referees determined that a flagrant wasn’t warranted.

Morant stayed in the game to make his free throw. The Grizzlies fouled on the next possession so Morant could leave the game.

Grizzlies make run after Ja Morant injury

The Grizzlies were making a run at the time of Morant’s injury. They had trailed by 12 at halftime and got within three points in the third quarter before Morant exited.

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The Grizzlies took the lead early in the fourth quarter of what became a back-and-forth game.

Ja Morant returns to game

Morant checked back in for the Grizzlies with 9:25 left in the fourth quarter. He quickly made a midrange jumper to tie the game at 98-98

The Grizzlies for now will have their star point guard for the closing minutes.

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at [email protected]. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.