MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The Atlanta Hawks have emerged victorious, clinching a thrilling 132-130 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night, largely thanks to the efforts of Caris LeVert, who sank the decisive layup as time expired. This nail-biting encounter unfolded at FedExForum, where the Grizzlies were eager to break their losing streak but fell short.
LeVert’s dramatic finish capped off what proved to be a rollercoaster match. He finished the game with 25 points, showcasing remarkable poise under pressure. After Memphis’s Desmond Bane experienced his first career triple-double, recording 35 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, the stakes were high. The momentum shifted dramatically when Bane lost possession with just 3.8 seconds left, paving the way for LeVert's exhilarating last-second score.
The final moments of the game saw the Hawks claw back, scoring the last seven points over the final 2:37. Zaccharie Risacher also made significant contributions, leading the Hawks with 27 points, alongside Onyeka Okongwu who secured 16 points and pulled down 12 rebounds.
For Atlanta, this victory is particularly sweet as they aim to solidify their spot within the top ten of the Eastern Conference, currently holding the ninth position with 27 wins and 33 losses. They managed to showcase their offensive prowess, scoring a season-high 82 points in the paint.
Memphis, on the other hand, continues to grapple with injuries and inconsistent performances. The team has slipped recently, losing six of their last eight games, and now grapples with the absence of key players including Ja Morant, sidelined indefinitely due to shoulder soreness, and Jaren Jackson Jr., who left the game just two minutes after tip-off due to an ankle injury.
The Grizzlies led early, finishing the first quarter at 34-28, and were up by 12 points early on in the fourth before the Hawks mounted their comeback. Throughout the third quarter, Memphis had turned the tides, moving from a five-point halftime deficit to leading 107-101 by the beginning of the final period. This included Bane's stellar performance, particularly his impressive 18-point third quarter, which put Memphis back on track.
Memphis's inconsistent play has sparked anxious moments for the coaching staff. Following this latest loss, they need to regroup as they prepare to host the Oklahoma City Thunder. Meanwhile, for the Hawks, the team seeks to build momentum, hosting the Milwaukee Bucks next.
The grueling match saw players push themselves to the limits, yet it unfolded taking its toll on vitality and discipline. Both teams faced significant injury challenges and tactical adjustments, with the Hawks especially working without several key personnel including Kobe Bufkin, Jalen Johnson, and Larry Nance Jr., all sidelined due to injuries.
Despite their struggles, Atlanta succeeded by capitalizing on Memphis’s late-game mistakes, showcasing resilience and tactical acumen. The performances of players like LeVert and Risacher not only highlighted their contribution to the team’s victory but also ensured their hopeful aspirations for the remainder of the season. The back-and-forth contest painted rich narratives of triumph, tenacity, and heartbreak, leaving fans yearning for the next bout.
This game becomes another narrative thread within the fabric of this unpredictable NBA season, underscoring just how quickly fortunes can change on the court. The question remains—will the Grizzlies bounce back from this latest setback, or will the Hawks continue to surge forward as they attempt to cement their playoff ambitions?