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The Memphis Grizzlies were on the wrong side of history Thursday following their Game 3 first-round series matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Grizzlies led the Thunder 67-40 late in the first half at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn. But disaster struck just as the home team’s lead approached 30.
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Grizzlies star Ja Morant got undercut by Thunder defender Lu Dort during a fastbreak opportunity at the 3:07 mark of the second quarter. Morant crashed violently onto the hardwood after going airborne for what appeared to be a dunk attempt.
Morant was able to attempt the free throws but was immediately subbed out of the contest. He was unable to return due to a right hip injury.
With Morant out of the picture, the Thunder completely overwhelmed the Grizzlies in the second half. Trailing 77-51 at the break, Oklahoma City outscored Memphis 63-31 over the final two quarters to steal a 114-108 win on the road.
The Thunder’s comeback from the 26-point halftime deficit became the largest in NBA playoff history. They also trailed by as many as 29 points in the second quarter, which marked the second-largest comeback in any NBA postseason game.
The Grizzlies went scoreless over the game’s final 4:51. A free throw from Jalen Williams with 1:20 remaining gave OKC its first lead of the contest.
The trio of Williams, Chet Holmgren, and MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander combined for 81 points to give the Thunder a decisive 3-0 lead in the series.
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