The Memphis Grizzlies are now down 0-3 in their playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder after a devastating 114-108 loss in Game 3.
The Grizzlies had a chance to extend the series with a win on their home court, and they opened the game like a team on a mission. The first quarter was an absolute master class of Grizzlies basketball. They outscored the Thunder 40-29 in the period and 24-3 from beyond the arc.
Props to Scotty Pippen Jr., who shot four of four from beyond the arc in the first quarter.
Memphis’ eight made three-pointers in the first quarter are more than they made in all of Game 1.
The second quarter was progressing in a similar fashion, and the Grizzlies built their lead up to 29 points.
Then, with just over two minutes remaining in the period, Oklahoma City guard Luguentz Dort crashed into Ja Morant while attempting to block his drive to the basket and sent Morant face-first into the ground.
Medical staff came immediately to evaluate Morant, who had to be helped off the court. The play was reviewed and ruled a common foul. I would argue that it met the definition of at least a flagrant foul 1 for unnecessary contact — a defender undercutting an airborne shooter is a dangerous play.
Morant would not return to play, and his injury shifted the whole mood of the game. Memphis led 77-51 at halftime, but the loss of their star player proved to be too much to overcome. And there is no way this comeback happens if Morant is on the court.
The second half of the game looked a lot like the blowouts in Oklahoma City. The Grizzlies struggled to defend the perimeter in the third quarter, and the Thunder made them pay for it. Center Chet Holmgren shot 4 of 5 from beyond the arc in the period and 6 of 8 overall, making up 16 of the Thunder’s 36 points.
After giving up only two points off turnovers in the first half, Memphis gave up 15 points off seven turnovers in the third quarter.
Oklahoma City went on a 23-8 run, bridging the third and fourth quarters to tie the game at 99-99, and then overpowered the Grizzlies in the final minutes.
Stick a fork in it, because this series might be done.
By The Numbers:
Scotty Pippen Jr. led the team with 28 points on 8 of 16 overall shooting and 6 of 10 from beyond the arc, He added 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block.
Jaren Jackson Jr. put up 22 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block.
Before his injury, Morant scored 15 points, and had 1 rebound and 5 assists.
Desmond Bane added 10 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block.
Santi Aldama led the second unit with 14 points, and added 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block.
Who Got Next?
Game 4 of the series is on Saturday, April 26th. Tip-off is at 2:30 PM CDT.
