• Ja Morant returned from a shoulder injury but admitted he may have rushed back too soon after a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
• The Grizzlies star’s frustration extended beyond his injury, as he voiced displeasure with the officiating during the game.

Ja Morant’s return to the starting lineup was met with a strong ovation from the FedExForum crowd before Wednesday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Memphis Grizzlies‘ star was back, and his return came right on time. At least it felt that way, with Jaren Jackson Jr. being out with an ankle injury. But after the Grizzlies lost 120-103 to the Thunder, Morant admitted that he may have sped up his return.

“Terrible,” Morant said on returning against the Thunder. “I should have been out. But I was out there. Regardless of out, in — there’s going to be something said.”

He has been dealing with lingering shoulder soreness that kept him out of the previous two games. Right shoulder injuries have flared up for Morant throughout the season, including an AC joint sprain suffered against the New Orleans Pelicans on Dec. 27.

Morant, who finished with 24 points on 8-for-22 shooting, appeared to be bothered by his shoulder at certain moments. At one point, he bent down on the opposite side of the floor, grimacing while his teammates went back down for a transition scoring opportunity.

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“I’ve played like this all season, honestly,” he said. “It is what it is. Got to get the win.”

Morant’s health and availability have been some of the bigger questions in determining how far this Grizzlies team can go. He hasn’t played more than five games in a row at any point this season.

After Jackson’s recent injury, the Grizzlies will need Morant to be healthy as they push toward the playoffs. They have lost four consecutive games, so Morant and Desmond Bane’s health will be pivotal in the next few weeks.

But based on Morant’s comments, it’s fair to wonder if he will be back to full health at any point this season.

When asked after the game if he would be dealing with the shoulder injury for the rest of the season, Morant’s answer was short and sweet.

“I don’t know,” he said.

This is the second time this season Morant has alluded to the idea of not playing in a game while battling an injury. After the Grizzlies won their home opener, he said that he wouldn’t have played if it wasn’t for “Grizz Twitter” talking him into playing.

“I think our medical (staff) does a good job of consolidating with you and kind of letting you know whether or not you’re in harm’s way or if you’re going to be playing through some pain or some soreness,” Bane said. “I think they do a pretty good job of protecting us.”

Officiating frustrations

Morant’s frustration from Wednesday’s game was about more than his injury. He constantly attacked the basket and looked to the officials for whistles during the game, only for play to continue.

Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins picked up a technical foul in the second quarter after Morant fell to the floor while driving to the basket and no foul was called.

Morant said he believed the Grizzlies played well and got good shots for most of the night.

“The shots that we didn’t get good was another situation that I ain’t gone speak on, but yeah,” Morant said.

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at [email protected]. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.