Morant magic: the final 7.6 seconds that changed everything for the Grizzlies

Ja Morant delivered a game-saving floater that handed the Memphis Grizzlies a thrilling 114-113 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night. The basket gave Memphis their third win in five games – a promising sign given the team’s rough start to the season and mounting injuries.

Booker’s miss and Morant’s miracle

The guard from Dalzell took control in the penultimate play of the game, moments before Devin Booker’s reply fell short. Morant received a cross-court pass from Santi Aldama – who notched a double-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and three steals on 50% shooting in 31 minutes – dribbled once, shifted the ball to his right hand, and sank a contested floater over Grayson Allen with 7.6 seconds left. It held up as the winning shot.

Booker, now the undisputed leader of the Suns’ offense in Arizona, had the final word but missed the potential game-winner with two seconds remaining. Despite the loss, he posted the best numbers of the night for either team, though his last attempt rimmed out.

Memphis escape Suns’ late surge

Among the standouts were Mark Williams (20 points) and Royce O’Neale for the Suns, and Jaren Jackson Jr. (18) and Cedric Coward (14) for Memphis. Particularly impressive was Coward, the rookie wing coached by Tuomas Iisalo. The 11th pick in his class, he’s been showing flashes of promise lately – definitely one to watch.

The Grizzlies, still hampered by long-term injuries, have used a hardship exception to sign Charles Bassey, snatching him from Partizan Belgrade after the player had already committed to the Serbian club. That move also pushed them to pursue Bruno Fernando, underscoring just how tight their roster situation remains.

Morant’s clutch play proved decisive after Memphis nearly squandered a 10-point lead with seven minutes left, 99-89, following a Cam Spencer three. Booker responded with 14 points – including two triples – during the late run, but his last shot missed. With Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal gone, the Suns are struggling to find balance under new coach Jordan Ott, opening the season with four losses in five games.

NBA Wednesday results:

• Bulls 126 - Kings 113
• Nets 112 - Hawks 117
• Nuggets 122 - Pelicans 88
• Jazz 134 - Blazers 136
• Raptors 121 - Rockets 139
• Pistons 135 - Magic 116
• Mavericks 107 - Pacers 105
• Timberwolves 115 - Lakers 116
• Celtics 125 - Cavaliers 105

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