Hawks 124–122 Grizzlies: Jalen Johnson’s 32–15 Double-Double and Clutch Finish Win Thriller in Memphis
Hawks vs Grizzlies delivered a true back-and-forth classic at FedExForum, with Jalen Johnson’s career night and a clutch late basket lifting the Atlanta Hawks to a 124–122 road win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
Johnson finished with 32 points and 15 rebounds, capping his performance with a driving bucket in the final 40 seconds that held off Memphis’s last push. The win moved Atlanta to 21–25, while the Grizzlies slipped to 18–24 after failing to capitalize on multiple late chances.
Game Flow: Lead Changes All Night
The numbers reflected the chaos in Hawks vs Grizzlies:
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21 lead changes
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14 ties
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Margin never exceeded six points in the fourth quarter
Scoring by Quarter
| Team | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawks | 31 | 35 | 28 | 30 | 124 |
| Grizzlies | 32 | 27 | 36 | 27 | 122 |
Memphis surged in the third, scoring 36 points to take a 95–94 lead into the fourth. With 5:39 remaining, the Grizzlies still led 110–108, but Atlanta answered decisively.
The Hawks ripped off an 8–0 run, capped by two Johnson free throws, to grab a 116–110 advantage.
Final Minute: Johnson Delivers
Memphis wasn’t done.
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A Coward three-pointer cut the deficit to 122–121 with 1:09 left
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FedExForum roared as the Grizzlies threatened a comeback
On the next possession, Johnson attacked the lane and finished through contact with 40 seconds remaining, restoring a three-point cushion. Atlanta then made the necessary defensive stops, and Memphis couldn’t convert on its final opportunities.
Hawks’ Standouts
Jalen Johnson
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32 points, 15 rebounds
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16 points in the first half
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Game-sealing basket in the final minute
Luke Kennard
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16 first-half points
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Hit his first six shots, including four three-pointers
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Provided a critical early spark against his former team
Atlanta also extended its streak to 37 consecutive games with double-digit made three-pointers, a quietly impressive mark that continues to fuel its offense.
Grizzlies’ Effort Falls Short
Memphis received strong contributions throughout the lineup:
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Ja Morant set the tone early and orchestrated the offense all night
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Young contributors like GG Jackson and others hit timely shots, including the late Coward three
But defensive lapses during Atlanta’s late 8–0 run and missed chances in the final 40 seconds turned a potential home win into a narrow defeat.
Takeaways From Hawks vs Grizzlies
Hawks:
Atlanta won a true coin-flip road game behind Johnson’s star performance and Kennard’s shooting, staying firmly in the play-in mix.
Grizzlies:
Despite staying competitive through 21 lead changes, Memphis couldn’t close, dropping to 18–24 after a missed opportunity at home.
Final Word
Hawks vs Grizzlies came down to poise and execution.
With Jalen Johnson delivering a dominant 32-point, 15-rebound night and the defining basket in the final minute, Atlanta escaped Memphis with a 124–122 win in one of the night’s most entertaining games.