The Memphis Grizzlies escaped with a thrilling 105-104 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday, thanks to a last-second block by Jaren Jackson Jr. that sealed the win. With just eight seconds left in the game, Orlando’s Paolo Banchero had the opportunity to secure the victory for his team. He expertly dribbled past Brandon Clarke and Santi Aldama, making his way into the lane for what seemed like a sure bucket. However, Jackson, known for his defensive prowess, timed his move perfectly and swatted the ball away, ending the Magic’s hopes and cementing the Grizzlies’ narrow victory. This play not only highlighted Jackson’s defensive skills but also solidified his case as the current favorite for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to pull away by a significant margin. Orlando took a 100-92 lead with 6:26 remaining in the fourth quarter, thanks to a 3-pointer by Franz Wagner. The Magic maintained a 103-94 advantage with just over two minutes left, but the Grizzlies showed resilience. Ja Morant, who had been quiet for much of the game, stepped up in crunch time, drilling a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to six points. Over the next three minutes, Memphis chipped away at Orlando’s lead, with Morant eventually tying the game at 104-104 on a layup over Wendell Carter Jr. This set the stage for Jackson’s game-saving block, which sent the Grizzlies’ bench into celebration and left the Magic stunned.
Offensively, the Grizzlies were led by Morant, who finished with 23 points, four rebounds, and five assists. While his scoring numbers were modest by his standards, Morant’s ability to take over in critical moments proved invaluable. Desmond Bane also contributed with 16 points, seven rebounds, and two steals, providing a much-needed secondary scoring punch. Jackson, meanwhile, was a two-way force, scoring 16 points and grabbing four rebounds to go along with three blocks. His defensive impact was evident throughout the game, and his final block will surely be remembered as one of the most clutch plays of the season.
Jackson’s performance further entrenched him as the front-runner for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. After winning the honor last season, Jackson has continued to assert himself as one of the league’s premier defenders. His ability to protect the rim, guard multiple positions, and make game-saving plays has made him indispensable to the Grizzlies. With San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama sidelined for the season due to injury, Jackson’s path to repeating as Defensive Player of the Year seems clearer. However, he still faces competition from players like Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley, who has also been stellar defensively this season.
The victory improved the Grizzlies’ record to 37-19, tying them with the Denver Nuggets for the second-best record in the Western Conference. Memphis has now won six of its last 10 games, showing the resilience and determination needed to compete in the loaded Western Conference. The Grizzlies will face a tough test on Sunday when they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers, who boast the best record in the NBA at 46-10. This game will be a prime opportunity for Memphis to prove its mettle against one of the league’s elite teams.
Orlando, on the other hand, fell to 28-30 with the loss, dropping further behind the Detroit Pistons in the race for the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Magic were led by Franz Wagner, who scored a game-high 25 points, while Paolo Banchero added 21 points. Cole Anthony also had a strong all-around game, finishing with 17 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. Despite these individual efforts, the Magic were unable to close out the game, a recurring issue that has plagued them this season. Orlando will look to bounce back on Sunday when they host the Washington Wizards, who are currently the worst team in the NBA with a 9-46 record. The Magic will need to capitalize on this matchup to stay in contention for a playoff spot.
In the end, Friday’s game was a thrilling reminder of the excitement and unpredictability of the NBA. With Jackson’s block serving as the exclamation point, the Grizzlies once again proved they have the talent and the grit to contend with the best teams in the league. As the season progresses, Jackson’s Defensive Player of the Year campaign will undoubtedly be a storyline to watch, while the Grizzlies’ ability to overcome late-game deficits will be crucial in their quest for a deep playoff run. For the Magic, the loss serves as a harsh reminder of the fine margin between victory and defeat in the NBA, and they will need to learn from this heartbreaker to keep their playoff hopes alive.
