The Memphis Grizzlies held off a late surge by the Charlotte Hornets to win 112‑108 on Wednesday night, keeping their postseason hopes alive and leaving the Hornets just outside the play‑in race. Both teams exchanged leads throughout the game, but key contributions from Ja Morant and a clutch three from Desmond Bane secured the victory for Memphis.
Game Recap
The Hornets entered Memphis with a 19‑28 record, while the Grizzlies were 18‑26. Both clubs were fighting to stay within striking distance of the play‑in line, and the contest featured multiple lead changes and several clutch three‑pointers.
First Half Overview
Memphis opened the game with a 30‑22 lead, driven by Ja Morant’s aggressive drives and Jaren Jackson Jr.’s hot start from beyond the arc (three of five three‑point attempts). Charlotte responded as LaMelo Ball orchestrated the offense, dishing out nine assists and hitting a key three‑pointer to trim the deficit to three points by the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter turned into a scoring duel. Hornets forward PJ Washington posted a double‑double (12 points, 10 rebounds) while the Grizzlies’ Desmond Bane added 14 points and two steals that sparked fast‑break opportunities. The teams entered halftime dead‑locked at 58‑58.
Third Quarter Shift
Memphis seized control in the third period. Morant finished with 28 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds, drawing fouls and converting on the free‑throw line at a 9‑of‑10 clip. A bench surge from Dillon Brooks, who contributed 9 points and 3 blocks, helped extend the lead to 84‑74 heading into the final frame.
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Final Minute Drama
Charlotte rallied in the fourth quarter, with Ball igniting a 12‑0 run and a step‑back three cutting the margin to two points with 3:12 left. Terry Rozier added two clutch threes, bringing the Hornets within one point (108‑107) after a missed free throw by Morant.
With 18 seconds remaining, Memphis regained possession. Jackson Jr. drove, drew a double‑team and kicked the ball out to a wide‑open Desmond Bane, who buried a contested three‑pointer to push the lead back to four (110‑106). Ball’s final three‑point attempt rimmed out, sealing the Grizzlies’ victory.
Statistical Highlights
- Ja Morant – 28 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 steals
- Jaren Jackson Jr. – 22 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks (9‑3 from three)
- LaMelo Ball – 24 points, 9 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals
- Terry Rozier – 22 points, 4 assists, 3 three‑pointers
- Desmond Bane – 19 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals
Playoff Implications
The win keeps Memphis within two games of the 10th‑seeded play‑in spot, preserving their postseason hopes. Charlotte’s loss drops them to 19‑29, leaving them just outside the current play‑in threshold and intensifying the urgency of their upcoming games.
Looking Ahead
Charlotte must address defensive lapses that allowed Memphis to shoot 48% from the field as they face the Atlanta Hawks and New Orleans Pelicans in the next two contests. A victory in either matchup could revive their play‑in conversation.
Memphis returns to the FedEx Forum next week to host the Dallas Mavericks. A win would improve the Grizzlies to 19‑26 and solidify their position as a dark‑horse contender for the final play‑in berth, testing the team’s depth amid a tightening schedule.
