‘We Have Seen’ Ja Morant ‘Heal Like Wolverine,’ De’Anthony Melton Says About Injury

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The Memphis Grizzlies may be concerned about Ja Morant’s knee injury, but his teammates are holding out hope the All-Star will be available Monday for Game 4 against the Golden State Warriors.

“I mean, we have seen Ja heal like Wolverine out there,” De’Anthony Melton told reporters. “He can be limping one day, next day be fine. He is a warrior and a competitor. Who knows where his level of injury is at? He understands his body and what the team needs, and he will make the best decision.”

Morant left Game 3 midway through the fourth quarter after Jordan Poole grabbed his knee going for a loose ball. He did not return in what ended as a 142-112 loss, finishing with 34 points and seven assists.

While Morant did not speak to reporters after the game, he sent out a number of cryptic tweets, seemingly casting blame on Poole for the injury.

“It was a basketball play when we doubled him,” Poole told reporters. “And I hit the ball, and I was going for the ball. I mean, obviously, you don’t want to see anybody get hurt. I’m not even that type of player. I respect everybody.”

The Grizzlies trail 2-1 in the best-of-seven series and will likely see any chance of a comeback evaporate if Morant is unable to be on the floor Monday night. It would be an unfortunate break given the high level of competitiveness and play over the course of the first three games if an injury winds up playing a deciding factor.