Grizzlies G Desmond Bane (ankle) won't return vs. Clippers

Field Level Media|published: Fri 12th January, 21:56 2024

Jan 12, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) drives to the basket as Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) defends during the first half at FedExForum. credits: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane exited Friday night's game against the Los Angeles Clippers in the third quarter due to a left ankle sprain.

The Grizzlies announced between the third and fourth quarters that Bane would not return.

Bane stepped on Los Angeles forward Kawhi Leonard's left foot on a drive to the hoop with 5:05 left in the third. Leonard was called for a shooting foul on the play, but Bane was unable to go to the charity stripe and went back to the locker room instead.

GG Jackson took Bane's foul shots and sank 1 of 2.

Prior to exiting, Bane recorded 15 points on 3-of-11 shooting to go along with three assists in 23 minutes of action.

Bane's injury is especially concerning for a Memphis team that is already playing with a short-handed backcourt, as Ja Morant (shoulder) is out for the season and Marcus Smart (finger) is set to be re-evaluated in about six weeks.

Bane, 25, entered Friday averaging 24.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.4 assists across 36 games (all starts) in his fourth NBA season.

—Field Level Media

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