Grizzlies Edge Magic 105-104
Image credits: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
The Memphis Grizzlies secured a thrilling 105-104 win over the Orlando Magic on Friday, thanks to a game-saving block by Jaren Jackson Jr. The block, which came with just seconds left on the clock, sealed the victory for the Grizzlies and boosted Jackson's chances of winning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. Jackson, who is the betting favorite to win the award, had a strong performance, scoring 16 points and grabbing four rebounds, in addition to his crucial block.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 23 points, four rebounds, and five assists, while Desmond Bane added 16 points, seven rebounds, and two steals. The Magic, on the other hand, were led by Franz Wagner, who scored a game-high 25 points, followed by Paolo Banchero's 21 points. The win helped the Grizzlies tie the Denver Nuggets for the second-best record in the Western Conference at 37-19, while the Magic dropped to 28-30, falling further behind the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference standings.
The game was a closely contested affair, with the Magic taking a 100-92 lead with 6:26 left in the fourth quarter. However, the Grizzlies slowly chipped away at the lead, with Morant tying the score at 104 on a layup over Wendell Carter Jr. The Magic had a chance to win the game, but Banchero's shot was blocked by Jackson, securing the win for the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies' defense was a key factor in their win, with Jackson's block being the most crucial play of the game. The team's offense also played a significant role, with Morant and Bane leading the charge.
The Magic's loss was a disappointing one, with the team failing to capitalize on their lead. Coach Jamahl Mosley attributed the loss to a lack of concentration and communication, stating that the team needs to focus on honing in on the level of concentration they have to have throughout the entire game. The Magic will look to bounce back from the loss when they host the Washington Wizards on Sunday. The Grizzlies, on the other hand, will finish their five-game road trip at Cleveland versus the NBA-best Cavaliers on Sunday.
Here are the match scores and player statistics:
- Match score: Grizzlies 105, Magic 104
- Ja Morant: 23 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists
- Desmond Bane: 16 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals
- Jaren Jackson Jr: 16 points, 4 rebounds, 3 blocks
- Franz Wagner: 25 points
- Paolo Banchero: 21 points
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