ATLANTA — Ja Morant and Desmond Bane powered the Memphis Grizzlies to their third consecutive victory since Morant’s return, beating the Atlanta Hawks 125-119 on Saturday night. Morant, who rated his first three games back with the team as a perfect 10, contributed 30 points and 11 assists in the win.
Bane led the scoring for Memphis with 37 points and also provided seven rebounds and six assists. The Grizzlies, who had a challenging start to the season with a 6-19 record during Morant’s 25-game suspension, have found a renewed sense of spirit and momentum with his return.
In a historic performance for the Hawks, Trae Young matched an NBA record with his seventh consecutive game of at least 30 points and 10 assists, tying Oscar Robertson’s record set between December 1964 and January 1965. Despite Young’s efforts, the Hawks have struggled, going 3-4 over these seven games.
Jaren Jackson Jr. also played a significant role for Memphis, shooting an efficient 8-for-10 from the field to finish with 20 points.
The Grizzlies’ crucial run in the game came after a tie at 106, with Memphis scoring nine straight points. Morant’s floater over Young was a highlight, giving them a solid lead with just over three minutes remaining, which the Hawks couldn’t overcome.
Morant’s performance was a showcase of his versatility, scoring effectively from various spots on the court and facilitating for his teammates. This teamwork helped the Grizzlies achieve over 50% shooting for the third time since Morant’s return, a first for the team this season.
Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins acknowledged the team’s defensive improvements, particularly in limiting second-chance points in the second half, which was a key factor in their comeback.
The Hawks, leading by 10 at halftime, could not maintain their momentum in the second half. The Grizzlies’ 10-0 run at the start of the third quarter significantly closed the gap.
The Hawks were without starting forward De’Andre Hunter due to knee soreness, which impacted their lineup balance.
Looking ahead, the Grizzlies will visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, while the Hawks face a challenging matchup against the Chicago Bulls on the same day.
