Subscribe
Follow Us
The Memphis Grizzlies are one of the bigger surprises in the NBA this season. They won again on Monday night, defeating the Phoenix Suns 114-113 to improve to 21-14 on the young season. In the win, rising star, Ja Morant, hit the game-winning shot with less than a second remaining in the game.
The Grizzlies almost blew a massive lead. Suns guard Devin Booker hit a three-p0inter to give Phoenix their first lead since early in the game with five seconds left. But Morant would not be denied. He took the ball, drove left, went into the air and hung for what seemed like forever to get a shot off over two defenders. He sank the runner and the Suns hope at a comeback victory.
In victory, Morant scored 33 points. His teammate, Desmond Bane, dropped 32 points. They are the first teammates 23 years of age or younger to each score 30 or more points in the same game since Allen Iverson and Jerry Stackhouse.
On Monday, Ja Morant and Desmond Bane became the 1st starting backcourt, both 23 years old or younger, to each have 30 points in a game since Allen Iverson and Jerry Stackhouse on April 5, 1997 against the Hornets. pic.twitter.com/y7F5AnpxaK
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 28, 2021
Iverson and Stackhouse accomplished the feat 24 years ago, in a game against the Charlotte Hornets in 1997.
Following a sub-par statistical 2nd season, Morant has looked like a potential league MVP this season. He is averaging almost 24 points per game, with a shade under seven assists and six rebounds to boot. Morant is even chipping in on the defensive end as well, with a career-high 1.5 steals per game.
Meanwhile, Bane has exploded onto the scene this year. Bane's offensive numbers are all way up from his rookie season last year. But his outside shooting has been the biggest difference. Bane is shooting 43% from downtown, among the league leaders.
Memphis hopes to continue growing and learning to win. Beating Phoenix in a tight game is a great way to do that.
