Draymond Green Praises Ja Morant's Resilience After Playing Through Ankle Injury in Grizzlies' Loss

In the aftermath of the Golden State Warriors’ 121-116 win over the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA play-in tournament, Warriors star Draymond Green shared a heartfelt and sportsmanlike message for Memphis guard Ja Morant, who played through significant pain after injuring his right ankle. Morant had a remarkable performance, continuing to play on sheer adrenaline after the injury, and Green didn’t hold back in praising his resilience.

“The dog that always is Ja,” Green said of Morant’s determination after the game. “I think he may struggle to play in [Memphis’ play-in game] Friday. He came back tonight off straight adrenaline. But that’s who he is. That’s why this franchise has been in the position that they have been in over the last few years, and you’re kind of like, man, they may make a run.”

The injury occurred late in the third quarter, with 4:25 remaining, when Morant inadvertently landed on Warriors guard Buddy Hield's foot while attempting a jump shot. The result was an immediate tweak to his right ankle, forcing Morant to leave the game briefly to receive treatment. However, showcasing his trademark toughness, Morant returned to the court to finish the game and lead his team with everything he had.

Morant ended the game with 22 points, shooting 9-of-18 from the field, adding two rebounds and two assists in 35 minutes of action. Notably, he had a Grizzlies-high 18 points on 7-of-14 shooting before the ankle injury took place. Despite the pain, he demonstrated incredible fortitude by finishing the game, proving yet again why he is regarded as one of the most fearless and electrifying players in the league.

Green, no stranger to playing through injuries himself, expressed nothing but respect for Morant’s perseverance. “Ja is special,” Green continued, acknowledging Morant’s unique qualities. “He’s one of the more special players in this league, and has the heart of a lion. So I wasn’t surprised at all. That’s who he’s been. That’s who he is going to be. His saying: ‘I’m going to run up the chimney,’ he lives by that.”

Green’s words highlighted the level of admiration he has for Morant’s competitive spirit and mental toughness. Morant’s attitude of pushing through adversity, even when the odds are against him, is something Green clearly respects. “You know, I respect it because he never not run up the chimney,” Green added, drawing attention to Morant’s consistent willingness to face challenges head-on, no matter the obstacles.

The Grizzlies' star guard made it clear that the injury wouldn’t hold him back. After the game, Morant was resolute when asked about his availability for the team’s upcoming play-in game: “I’m playing,” Morant declared firmly. “That’s basically the answer I’m giving. It ain’t nothing different.”

With the Grizzlies facing the winner of the Sacramento Kings-Dallas Mavericks play-in game, it remains to be seen how Morant’s ankle will impact his performance in the upcoming matchup. But if his past track record is any indication, the Grizzlies' chances of making noise in the playoffs are high, especially with Morant leading the charge, ankle injury or not.

Green, a four-time NBA champion, has seen countless players rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations. Still, Morant’s heart and determination stand out, and Green wouldn't be surprised to see the Grizzlies make a deep playoff run with their star player, no matter the adversity he faces. As always, Morant is ready to take on the challenge, and his mindset is clear—nothing will stop him from playing the game he loves.