Ja Morant delivered a masterful performance on Saturday night, racking up 32 points, nine assists, and nine rebounds to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 127-121 victory over the Boston Celtics.
The win ended a decade-long drought at TD Garden, marking Memphis’ first road victory against Boston since November 27, 2013.
Jaren Jackson Jr. was a dominant force for Memphis as well, adding 27 points and nine rebounds to help the Grizzlies secure their eighth win in their last nine games. Memphis utilized its strength inside, outscoring Boston 64-40 in the paint, a decisive factor in the tightly contested matchup.
The Celtics, led by Jrue Holiday’s 23 points and the 22-point efforts of Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard, battled fiercely. Despite shooting just 18-for-60 from beyond the arc, Boston erased a 14-point deficit in the third quarter to briefly take the lead early in the fourth. However, Memphis responded with a late-game rally, sparked by a 7-0 run that stretched their lead to 124-115, sealing the win.
Saturday night also marked the highly anticipated return of Marcus Smart to TD Garden, where he played his first game since being traded to Memphis as part of the three-team deal that brought Kristaps Porzingis to Boston. Smart received a standing ovation from the Boston crowd when he checked in during the first quarter, acknowledging the fans with a wave. However, his shooting struggles continued, as he finished with just three points on 1-of-11 shooting in 19 minutes.
For Morant, the performance showcased his continued recovery from a hip injury that had sidelined him earlier in the season. In just his sixth game back, he displayed his trademark explosiveness, including a highlight-reel reverse dunk, while also facilitating Memphis’ offense with precision. The near triple-double effort was one of his most complete games of the season.
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Boston’s loss came on the second night of a back-to-back, marking their first defeat in such scenarios this season (4-1). Fatigue may have played a role, as their shooting struggles and inability to capitalize on key opportunities late in the game ultimately cost them.
Memphis capitalized on Boston’s inefficiency from three-point range, where the Celtics managed just 30%. The Grizzlies’ dominance in the paint and ability to execute in clutch moments underscored the growth and resilience of the team, even in a hostile environment like TD Garden.
The night was not without its emotional moments, as Smart’s return provided a nostalgic reminder of his nine impactful seasons in Boston. While his offensive struggles stood out, his leadership and energy remain a valuable asset to Memphis as they continue to gel as a unit.
The Grizzlies, now looking more cohesive with Morant back in the lineup, proved they can compete against elite teams. Their interior dominance, combined with timely scoring from Morant and Jackson Jr., showcased the formula that could make them a tough out as the season progresses.
Boston, despite the loss, remains a formidable contender in the Eastern Conference. However, the game highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in their reliance on three-point shooting and their defensive effort in the paint.
Up next, Memphis will aim to build on this momentum as they visit the Washington Wizards on Sunday. The Celtics, meanwhile, will look to regroup and defend their home court against the Detroit Pistons on Thursday. With both teams eyeing critical stretches ahead, the stakes remain high as the season unfolds.
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