MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In a thrilling overtime clash, the Memphis Grizzlies secured a dramatic 151-148 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night, with Ja Morant starring for the home team. Morant notched 29 points and dished out eight assists, with his last assist setting up Jaylen Wells for a decisive dunk with just 9.1 seconds remaining in the extra period. Memphis concluded the game with an impressive 7-0 run in overtime.
Jaren Jackson Jr. played a significant role for the Grizzlies, scoring 28 points before fouling out in the closing stages of the fourth quarter. Desmond Bane also contributed significantly with 25 points and nine assists, helping Memphis move into a second-place tie in the Western Conference alongside the idle Denver Nuggets.
For the Suns, it was a notable evening as they had five players posting at least 20 points each, a feat not achieved by the team since November 1990. Devin Booker led the way with 28 points and 10 assists, while Kevin Durant added 26 points. Bradley Beal also impressed with 24 points and a season-high 11 assists. Bol Bol and Grayson Allen chipped in with 23 and 21 points respectively. Despite their efforts, the Suns have now lost six of their last seven games.
In a gripping finish to regulation, Morant’s floater tied the game at 137, sending it into overtime. Once there, Durant’s jumper momentarily gave Phoenix a 148-144 advantage with 1:17 left. However, the Grizzlies responded with a Santi Aldama 3-pointer and a crucial tip-in from Brandon Clarke, putting Memphis ahead before Morant’s final assist to Wells clinched the win. Durant’s late-game 3-point attempts did not find the mark, sealing his team’s fate.
Phoenix appeared poised to break their losing streak against Memphis, but Morant’s heroics in the fourth quarter ensured that Memphis maintained its dominance in the matchup. The Grizzlies boast an impressive 21-6 record at home this season.
Key to Memphis’ victory was Morant’s crucial decision-making and execution in the final moments, particularly his assist to Wells that put the Grizzlies in a leading position, forcing the Suns into desperate long-range shots in the game’s dying seconds.
Throughout the contest, both teams were tightly matched with 22 ties and 22 lead changes, highlighting the intensity of the encounter. Phoenix once held a 10-point lead during the third quarter, but Memphis managed to claw back dramatically.
Looking ahead, the Phoenix Suns will host the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday night, seeking to bounce back from their recent slump. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies will continue their five-game homestand as they welcome the New York Knicks on Friday night.
