In an exhilarating overtime battle, the Memphis Grizzlies triumphed over the Phoenix Suns with a 151-148 victory Tuesday night, thanks to a crucial play in the dying seconds of the game. Ja Morant, who ended the night with 29 points and eight assists, executed a pivotal pass to Jaylen Wells for a dunk with just 9.1 seconds left in overtime, sealing the Grizzlies’ win with a decisive 7-0 run.
Jaren Jackson Jr. was a formidable force on the court, contributing 28 points before fouling out in the fourth quarter. Desmond Bane also had a standout performance with 25 points and nine assists, propelling Memphis into a second-place tie in the Western Conference with Denver, who had the night off.
Phoenix showcased scoring depth with five players each scoring over 20 points, replicating a team achievement not seen since 1990. Devin Booker had an impressive game with 28 points and 10 assists, while Kevin Durant added 26 points. Bradley Beal contributed 24 points and a season-high 11 assists, Bol Bol set a personal season high with 23 points, and Grayson Allen chipped in with 21 points. Unfortunately for the Suns, this marked their sixth loss in seven games.
Morant rallied Memphis in the final moments of regulation by scoring the team’s last 11 points, including a critical floater with 1.4 seconds remaining to tie the game at 137. During the overtime, Durant briefly put the Suns ahead with a jumper at 1:17, but Santi Aldama’s three-pointer for Memphis and Brandon Clark’s crucial tip-in shifted the momentum back to Memphis. Durant’s subsequent missed 3-point attempts in the final four seconds sealed the Suns’ fate.
For the Grizzlies’ key takeaway, the game highlighted their home strength as they improved to 22-6 on their court. Morant’s connection with Wells in the last critical seconds forced Phoenix into desperate long-range attempts. The game was a thriller dominated by 22 ties and 23 lead changes, with Phoenix’s largest lead reaching 10 points in the third quarter.
Looking forward, the Suns prepare to host New Orleans on Thursday night, while the Grizzlies continue their five-game homestand facing off against the New York Knicks on Friday night.
