Grizzlies hold off Magic’s comeback to win fifth straight

Ja Morant scored 32 factors, Jaren Jackson Jr. added 31 factors on 12-of-14 capturing from the ground and grabbed 10 rebounds and the Memphis Grizzlies held off the host Orlando Magic’s livid fourth-quarter rally for a 123-115 win on Thursday.

Memphis led for all however a short stretch within the first quarter, surging forward 65-43 due to out-shooting Orlando within the first half, 26-of-51 to 15-of-43. The Grizzlies rode a 64-40 benefit for factors within the paint on the night time and constructed a lead of as many as 25 factors within the second half.

The Magic rallied within the fourth quarter, nevertheless, with a 15-6 run fueled by Franz Wagner’s particular person burst. He scored on 4 consecutive Orlando possessions, tallying 10 of his 22 factors in a span of lower than 90 seconds late within the contest.

With Caleb Houstan’s banked-in 3-pointer after Wagner’s surge, the Magic reduce the deficit to 6 factors however might get no nearer.

Markelle Fultz knifed via the Memphis protection and had a have a look at the rim, however his layup try with 40.9 seconds remaining, which might have reduce the hole to 5 factors, rimmed out.

Reserves gave the Memphis offense a lift. The Grizzlies’ bench outscored Orlando’s 42-31, due to Ziaire Williams’ 16 factors on 6-of-7 capturing general and 3-of-4 from 3-point vary, plus Tyus Jones’ 12 factors.

Jones additionally posted workforce highs of eight assists and two steals.

Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 30 factors and 9 rebounds, however his 2-of-7 capturing from past the 3-point arc mirrored Orlando’s general struggles from deep. The workforce completed 11-of-36 on 3-point makes an attempt.

Wendell Carter Jr. scored 18 factors and grabbed seven rebounds earlier than fouling out. Fultz dished a game-high 9 assists.

Thursday’s win extends Memphis’ present streak to 5 video games.

–Field Level Media/Reuters