The Boston Celtics came to Memphis as a heavy favorite against a team yet to win in their home arena this season, but the Grizzlies played one of their better games of the year and had a clear look at a game-winning 3-pointer in the closing seconds in a wild finish.
The Celtics were unable to create any separation from the Grizzlies despite leading for much of the second and third quarters. A career-high scoring night from 7-footer Santi Aldama and 30 points from Desmond Bane – who hit seven 3-pointers on the night – kept the Grizzlies afloat.
Bane’s final three gave Memphis a 100-98 lead with 1:48 remaining, but Kristaps Porzingis made a series of clutch plays to ensure Boston escaped with a victory. On the ensuing Celtics possession, Porzingis drew a foul underneath the basket and tied the game at the foul line. Following a turnover from Aldama, Porzingis made a brilliant cut to set up an easy dunk on a feed from Jayson Tatum to take the lead – but the game was far from over.
Holding the ball with under 20 seconds remaining, Tatum missed a turnaround jumper, but the long rebound came out to Derrick White. With one second difference between the shot and game clock, the Celtics could have chosen to hold the ball and take a four-point lead at the line – but Tatum instead chose to pass to a cutting Jrue Holiday, who elevated and missed a left-handed dunk attempt.
The Grizzlies recovered with plenty of time remaining, and Aldama missed an open 3-pointer with four seconds remaining. Ziaire Williams grabbed the rebound and spun for a turnaround jumper to tie the game, but Porzingis blocked his shot and time expired, sealing the Celtics’ victory.
PORZINGIS WITH THE GAME WINNING BLOCK 🔥 pic.twitter.com/VTQGoMbyz4
— Celtics Junkies (@Celtics_Junkies) November 20, 2023
Here’s what reporters and fans were saying about Sunday’s game: