The Memphis Grizzlies fell to the Denver Nuggets on Friday night, 103-102. But if you ask star sophomore Ja Morant, it shouldn't have ended that way.

Morant had the ball with the game virtually in the balance with just over six ticks left on the clock. Down just one point, he did what every coach and color commentator preaches on these sorts of possessions – he took it to the basket.

Check out his desperation drive here:

Morant took it right into the body of Nuggets star Nikola Jokic in a clear attempt to draw contact. However, the referees didn't see it that way and swallowed their whistles.  Even the Grizzlies broadcasters were pleading for a foul that never came.

Related NewsArticle continues below
Malik Beasley playing basketball. Pistons logo in background.
Ranking 4 best Malik Beasley free-agency destinations if he leaves Pistons
Nike Ja 2 Tiffany, Nik eJa 2 release
Nike Ja 2 ‘Tiffany’ official release details

There eventually was a foul called, but it was on Memphis as Dillon Brooks gave Jokic a bump after the initial contact. Ja Morant was incredulous at the no-call and had to be restrained by teammate Brandon Clarke to prevent him from getting a technical.

Beyond his game-sealing contest of Morant, Nikola Jokic ended the night with a stellar line. The Serbian center posted 28 points, 15 rebounds and added seven assists. Foul or not, Jokic played well enough to get his Nuggets the victory. He needed every point too as his running mate Jamal Murray made just one of his 14 shot attempts for a mere three points.

Ja Morant had 16 points and nine assists of his own, with 20 points apiece from teammates Brandon Clarke and Dillon Brooks. The loss drops Memphis back to .500 with a 17-17 record, tied with Golden State for ninth place in the loaded Western Conference.

The Grizzlies star may not have gotten the call this time around, but it's only a matter of time until he makes his star turn on the NBA.