The Memphis Grizzlies lost to the Atlanta Hawks 132-130 on a last-second turnover Sunday night, giving them their first three-game losing streak of the season.
This marks the third consecutive game that Memphis has lost in the final seconds: On February 28th, OG Anunoby made a three-pointer with 5.2 seconds remaining to put the Knicks up 114-113; On March 1st, D’Aaron Fox sunk a 20-foot shot with 2.6 seconds remaining to put the Spurs up 130-128; and then last night’s buzzer-beater from Caris LeVert gave the Hawks their 132-130 victory.
One common denominator across all three games is that the Grizzlies have given up double-digit points off double-digit turnovers. At some point, a real conversation needs to be had about their impact on the team’s record this season.
The game started out on a sour note for the Grizzlies after Jaren Jackson Jr. left the court 1:39 seconds into the first quarter after turning an ankle. Memphis finished the first quarter up by six points, thanks to Atlanta’s shooting of zero percent from beyond the arc.
The Grizzlies gave up 42 points in the second quarter and headed into the second half down by five. The third quarter was the opposite, with the Hawks giving up 42 points in the period.
Memphis’ six-point lead heading into the final period was not enough, as they scored only 23 points to Atlanta’s 31.
They were tied at 130-130 when Desmond Bane turned the ball over in the final seconds. Caris LeVert scored the final seven points for the Hawks, including his game-winning shot at the buzzer.
This was one of the most disappointing losses of the season, and it highlights the Grizzlies’ turnover issues. After spending most of the season grappling for the second seed, Memphis has dropped to fourth in the Western Conference.
If the playoffs started tomorrow, the Grizzlies would face Houston in the first round, and if their regular season matchup were any indication, the Rockets would give the Grizzlies a painful first-round exit.
Memphis needs to correct the course, and soon, in this final stretch. The fate of their season depends on it.
By The Numbers:
Desmond Bane recorded his first career triple-double, scoring a game-high 35 points, to go along with 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
Luke Kennard finished with 17 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals.
Zach Edey added 15 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block.
Jaylen Wells closed out with 12 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals.
Vince Williams Jr. led the bench with 15 points, and added 3 rebounds, and 3 assists.
GG Jackson chipped in with 11 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block.
Brandon Clarke finished with 11 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block.
Who Got Next?
The Grizzlies will finish their five-game homestand on Wednesday, March 5th, when they face the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Tip-off will be at 8:30 PM CST, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN and FanDuel Sports Network.
