Desmond Bane’s triple-double effort wasn’t enough as Hawks guard Caris LeVert scored a buzzer-beating layup to lift the rebuilding Atlanta Hawks over the Memphis Grizzlies, 132-130, at FedExForum on Monday, March 3.
The back-to-back game marked the third consecutive nail-biter the Grizzlies have lost by two points or less in as many games. Memphis’ record drops to 38-23 with the defeat. They currently sit in fourth place in the Western Conference standings. The Grizzlies’ last win was a 151-148 overtime victory over the Suns on Feb. 25.
“It’s just another game. I wish we came out with the victory. That’s all that matters. That’s what’s on my mind right now,” said Bane.
LeVert scored the final seven points in the contest. The Hawks also held the Grizzlies scoreless in the final two minutes. Hawks guard Dejounte Murray found LeVert breaking away for the go-ahead basket after stealing the ball from Bane on a drive with five seconds left on the clock.
“Everything is going to come down to the defensive end. We’ve been able to score all year long. It’s putting a lot of pressure on our offense to score 130 points to win games,” Bane reflected.
Before the game-winning score, LeVert also provided a layup and another three-point shot to give the Hawks the edge.
LeVert scored 25 points on 11-of-19 shooting off the bench. The former Cleveland Cavalier also added five assists and three steals in 32 minutes. The Hawks acquired the nine-year veteran in a February trade.
Meanwhile, 2024 first overall draft pick Victor Wembanyama led the Hawks with 27 points. The 19-year-old Frenchman also hit 5-of-7 from deep and nabbed four steals. All-Star point guard Trae Young netted a double-double with 12 points and 15 assists. Fellow starters Onyeka Okongwu and Dyson Daniels scored 16 points and 14 points, respectively.
Prior to the Hawks’ run, Memphis seemed in command of the game. A Jaylen Wells three-pointer gave the Grizzlies their largest lead, 120-117, with 9:22 left in the final quarter. Nevertheless, the Hawks hung around. A LeVert midrange jumper narrowed the margin to a manageable 128-123 with 3:53 left in the matchup.
“We keep putting ourselves in a position we shouldn’t be in. We have to learn from it. There are a lot of things we can learn from,” said Wells.
The last-second miscue marred a fine effort from Bane. The shooting guard scored 35 points after hitting 9-of-19 from the field, along with a perfect 14-of-14 from the free-throw line. He also led the Grizzlies with 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Bane’s output helped fill the absence left by Jaren Jackson Jr.’s injury. The All-Star power forward left the game in the opening minutes after rolling his ankle while defending the basket.
Memphis committed 19 turnovers in the game. Bane was responsible for five. The Hawks turned the ball over 12 times during the game.
Ja Morant also missed the game with a shoulder injury. Before the game, the league announced a $25,000 fine against the point guard for throwing the ball into the stands after the Feb. 28 114-113 loss to the Knicks. The defeat started the current three-game skid.
Luke Kennard scored 17 points and dished seven assists in Morant’s absence. Rookie center Zach Edey scored 15 points after being reinserted into the starting lineup. He came off the bench during the 130-128 loss to the Spurs on Sunday, March 1. Fellow rookie Jaylen Wells added 12 points and six assists.
“Des was unbelievable tonight making plays, rebounding and being a great facilitator. He made big plays when we needed him to. He stepped up big time today,” commended Kennard.
Three Grizzlies bench players also reached double figures. Vince Williams led the second unit with 15 points, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, GG Jackson and Brandon Clarke each chipped in 11 points and seven rebounds.
Memphis wraps up its five-game home series against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, March 5, at FedExForum. The Thunder own a league-best 50-11 record. Memphis has lost both matchups this season. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m.
