The Memphis Grizzlies extended the NBA’s longest active winning streak with their sixth straight victory and clinched a top-4 seed and home court advantage in the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs with a 123-119 road win Sunday against the Atlanta Hawks.
Ja Morant moved back into the starting lineup and scored 27 points, while Desmond Bane added 25 points for the Grizzlies, who staved off a late Hawks rally to win for the ninth time in their last 10 games and third time in their last four road contests.
Jaren Jackson Jr. posted 15 points, three steals and five blocks, and tied Pau Gasol for the most five-plus block games in franchise history (26). Xavier Tillman Sr. also had 15 points. Luke Kennard scored 14 points, including four 3-pointers, and Tyus Jones netted 13 points off the bench.
Trae Young led Atlanta with 28 points and 10 assists, while Clint Capela double-doubled with 18 points and 16 rebounds. De’Andre Hunter notched 17 points for the Hawks, who were swept by the Grizzlies for the first time since the 2019-20 season.
Atlanta cut Memphis’ lead to one point twice in the fourth quarter, but each time, Bane made a basket on the other end. The Grizzlies went ahead by seven points after Bane’s layup with 1:39 remaining, and Tillman Sr.’s fast break dunk off a Morant feed gave Memphis a 122-114 lead with just under one minute left on the clock.
Memphis held Atlanta to 7-of-31 from 3-point range (.226) and doubled up the Hawks in fast break points, 24-12.
The Grizzlies return to FedExForum, where they are 32-5 this season, for a chance to set the single-season franchise record for home victories on Tuesday, March 28, against the Orlando Magic. Fans can tune into Bally Sports Southeast or listen on 92.9 FM ESPN.