Show summary Hide summary
The first time Ja Morant returned to Memphis as an opponent drew intense attention, high emotion and, unexpectedly, a medical scare. What began as a heated reunion on the court turned into concern for the Portland Trail Blazers after Morant left the game in the fourth quarter with a hamstring issue.
Morant leaves matchup vs. Grizzlies with hamstring concern
Morant played 23 minutes and scored 14 points before exiting with 7:46 left in the fourth quarter.
Savannah Guthrie begs for answers about missing mom: we cannot move forward
Netflix to give Joel Coen’s gothic mystery Jack of Spades a theatrical release in 2027
The Trail Blazers announced the guard would not return due to a left hamstring problem. Portland coach Micah Nori said Morant felt tightness and the team was assessing the injury.
Hamstring injuries range from mild strains to more serious tears. Without imaging or follow-up tests, the team could not define a recovery timeline after the game.
Why this matchup mattered — more than a single game
Morant spent seven seasons in Memphis after being the No. 2 pick in 2019. He became a franchise cornerstone and one of the league’s most dynamic guards.
His tenure with the Grizzlies included major highs — Rookie of the Year and Most Improved Player honors — and off-court complications that led to a trade this summer.
When Memphis shipped Morant to Portland on June 29, it signaled a new chapter for both sides. Thursday’s meeting was the first tangible measure of how those chapters might play out.
How Memphis dominated the second half
The Grizzlies turned the game around after halftime, outscoring Portland by a wide margin.
Rising rookie shines
Rookie Cameron Boozer delivered a triple-double and helped tilt momentum decisively in Memphis’ favor.
With the win, the Grizzlies improved to 5-0 on the young season, while Portland’s undefeated start ended.
What this means for Portland’s short-term plans
Portland entered the matchup undefeated at 3-0 and had shown promising offensive chemistry.
Damian Lillard supplied a late three-pointer earlier in the week, and Morant was beginning to settle into his new role beside him.
Morant’s health now tops Portland’s immediate concerns. The Trail Blazers travel to Utah on Saturday, and his status will be a primary storyline before tipoff.
Key details teams and fans will watch next
- Medical testing: MRI or further evaluation will determine the severity of the hamstring issue.
- Short-term roster moves: Portland may adjust minutes or rotations depending on Morant’s availability.
- Matchup implications: A sidelined Morant would shift Portland’s offensive approach and game-plan flexibility.
Additional NBA headlines to follow
- Knicks cut a recently signed forward shortly after inking him to a deal.
- High school phenom Cooper Flagg posted historic numbers for his age.
- Celtics added a former Jazz All-Star on a major contract to bolster their backcourt with Jayson Tatum.
