Hawks edge Grizzlies on Caris LaVert's buzzer-beater

Field Level Media|published: Mon 3rd March, 23:07 2025

Mar 3, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) shoots as Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) defends during the first quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Caris LeVert's reverse layup at the buzzer lifted the visiting Atlanta Hawks to a 132-130 victory Monday night over the Memphis Grizzlies, spoiling the first career triple-double by Desmond Bane.

LeVert's basket followed a turnover by Bane, who lost control near Memphis' free throw line with four seconds to go. Dyson Daniels scooped up the loose ball and fed a streaking LeVert.

Levert scored 21 of his 25 points in the second half. Zaccharie Risacher led the Hawks with 27 points, Onyeka Okongwu added 16 points and 12 rebounds, Daniels contributed 14 points and Trae Young finished with 12 points and 15 assists.

Bane scored a season-high 35 points -- including 18 in the third quarter - and added 10 points and 10 assists. Luke Kennard had 17 points and seven assists, while Zach Edey and Vince Williams Jr. scored 15 each.

The Grizzlies lost their third game in a row and have dropped six of their last eight.

Memphis played without starting guard Ja Morant, who missed his second straight game with right shoulder soreness, and without starting forward Jaren Jackson Jr. for all but two minutes. Jackson injured his left ankle 1:39 into the game and did not return. He scored 42 points in the team's last-second loss Saturday to the San Antonio Spurs.

Morant, fined $25,000 Sunday by the NBA for tossing a ball into the stands at halftime of the team's Friday loss to the New York Knicks, has missed 24 of the Grizzlies' 61 games with a variety of injuries.

Bane's third-quarter scoring spree allowed the Grizzlies to turn a five-point halftime deficit into a 107-101 lead entering the fourth quarter.

Memphis built a 120-107 lead early in the fourth following a 3-pointer by Jaylen Wells, but the Hawks battled back. LeVert scored 12 of the team's final 14 points in the last 4:27.

Memphis, playing the fourth game of a season-high five-game homestand. allowed 42 second-quarter points to erase a nine-point lead early in the period.

Atlanta led 70-65 at halftime.

--Field Level Media

Latest