Ja Morant electrified Memphis with 10 clutch fourth-quarter points while Jaren Jackson Jr. delivered the defensive play of the night, swatting Paolo Banchero’s potential game-winner at the buzzer to give the Grizzlies a 105-104 road triumph over the Orlando Magic.
The decisive sequence unfolded after Santi Aldama missed two free throws with 10.7 seconds remaining. Banchero drove hard to the basket in the final second, only to have Jackson emphatically reject his floater. Officials reviewed the play to confirm no goaltending violation, triggering wild celebrations from Memphis players.
Key momentum shifts:
- Memphis erased a 19-point deficit via a 19-0 third-quarter run fueled by GG Jackson II’s trio of three-pointers
- Orlando missed 10 free throws, including four in the final period
- A critical replay review at 2:05 remaining overturned possession to Memphis, leading to Morant’s tying bucket
Desmond Bane contributed 16 points and seven rebounds for the Grizzlies, while Franz Wagner’s 25 points led Orlando’s scoring effort. Despite shooting 21.2% from three-point range (7/33) and committing 15 turnovers, Memphis improved to 8-2 in back-to-back games this season.
The Magic, playing without starting guard Jalen Suggs (quad) for the 21st time in 22 games, fell short in their seven-game homestand opener.
These are the moments we live for,said Jackson postgame. Big-time plays define contenders.
Memphis faces Cleveland next, while Orlando hosts Washington on Sunday.
