The Memphis Grizzlies pulled off an exhilarating 151-148 overtime victory against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night, marking a significant moment for their star, Ja Morant. After struggling early on, Morant's resilience shone through, threading a precise pass to Jaylen Wells for a slam dunk, electrifying the FedExForum crowd.
While Morant's shooting was far from perfect—ending with just 14 points on 7-for-25 shooting—he displayed determination, especially late in the game. Fans were on their feet, roaring with anticipation as the Grizzlies fought back to force overtime. “It felt reminiscent of some playoff games we’ve had here in the past. It’s about time, for sure,” said Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane.
Despite his shooting struggles earlier, during the last segments of the game, Morant scored the final 11 Grizzlies points to get the team to overtime, showing his capability under pressure. “Just staying locked,” Morant explained after the game. “I know every shot I take won’t go in, but it doesn’t mean once you miss one, stop taking them.” His aggression paid off, with Morant sinking every one of his 14 free-throw attempts.
The game wasn’t just another win for the Memphis squad; it held deep personal significance for Morant. He dedicated the performance to his close friend, Davonte Pack, who couldn’t attend the game due to the death of his grandmother. “I really wanted to win tonight,” Morant shared, referring to their strong bond. “I received a text from my brother right before the game... I can’t wait to talk to him after this.”
With Jaren Jackson Jr. fouling out late during regulation, the Grizzlies had to dig deep, relying on Morant's late-game heroics to push through. This win highlights not only Morant's skill but also embodies the spirit and energy present at home games, reminiscent of the franchise's playoff atmosphere.
“It was a great environment from the fans,” Bane noted, indicating how the audience has fuelled the team’s performance. With the Grizzlies' current record standing strong at 38-20, their season looks promising, especially as they’ve begun to tap back onto their competitive edge. “I knew it was coming,” Bane added, reflecting on Morant’s earlier struggles. “He’s too good of a player to struggle for the whole game.”
Wrapping the game up, the Grizzlies learned the power of perseverance, exemplified by Morant, who bet on himself and his teammates. His efforts, resilience, and ability to rally when stakes were highest not only sealed the victory but also reaffirmed his leadership on and off the court. Fans and teammates alike can agree: Morant continues to grow, and the Grizzlies, with their young core, are putting on quite the show.