Ja Morant on Playing Through an Ankle Sprain to Help the Grizzlies Advance to the Playoffs (🎥 @sportscenter)

There are moments in sports when talent meets heart, and the result becomes unforgettable. Ja Morant gave us one of those moments this week—fighting through pain, pushing past the limits, and showing the world what leadership really looks like.

As the Memphis Grizzlies battled for a shot at the playoffs, their star point guard wasn’t at 100%. Ja Morant suffered an ankle sprain just days before the team’s most important game of the season. For most players, that would mean sitting out or playing at limited capacity. But for Morant, there was no question. If he could walk, he would play.

And play he did.

“It’s about doing whatever it takes,” Morant told reporters postgame. “I knew my brothers were counting on me, and I wasn’t about to let pain stop me from giving everything I had. The playoffs were on the line—I had to be out there.”

The Grizzlies needed a spark, and Morant delivered. Limping at times, grimacing after sharp cuts, he still managed to lead the team in points, assists, and pure energy. His presence was electric. Every time the Grizzlies needed a big play, Morant answered the call. Step-back jumpers, explosive drives to the rim, even diving for loose balls—he did it all.

“That’s our leader,” teammate Desmond Bane said. “You could tell he was hurting, but he never let it slow him down. That type of heart is contagious. When you see your guy out there giving it everything on a bad ankle, it makes you want to play even harder.”

The game itself was a battle from start to finish. The Grizzlies were locked in a tight back-and-forth with a tough Western Conference rival, and every possession mattered. Morant’s instincts and playmaking helped tilt the game in Memphis’ favor down the stretch. A clutch and-one in the fourth quarter gave the Grizzlies a late lead, and a gritty assist in the final minute sealed the deal.

The crowd in FedExForum erupted. The Grizzlies were going to the playoffs. And Ja Morant, visibly exhausted, was the heartbeat behind it all.

Social media lit up with love and respect for the young star. Clips of his performance trended for hours, with fans and analysts alike praising his toughness.

“Ja Morant is HIM,” ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith tweeted. “Playing through injury, stepping up in the biggest moments—this is what legends are made of.”

Morant’s effort also caught the attention of former players and coaches. Dwyane Wade, no stranger to playoff grit himself, shared the @sportscenter highlight on Instagram, writing: “This is the kind of fire that builds championships. Salute, young king.”

But for Ja, it wasn’t about the praise or the headlines.

“I just want to win,” he said simply. “That’s it. If I can help my team get to the next round, that’s what I’m gonna do—hurt or not.”

It’s that mindset that continues to elevate Morant from star to superstar. He’s not just about flash and highlights (though he delivers those nightly). He’s about heart, resilience, and putting the team first.

With the Grizzlies officially locked into the postseason, all eyes are now on what’s next. Will Morant be at full strength in time for Game 1? The team says they’ll monitor his ankle closely, but don’t expect him to rest unless he absolutely has to.

Because if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this: when the lights are brightest, and the stakes are highest, Ja Morant shows up—no matter the pain.

Stay tuned, Memphis. The playoffs just got a whole lot more exciting.