Quick Read
- The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 124-122 in a dramatic game.
- Ja Morant returned for the Grizzlies, scoring 28 points and adding 9 assists.
- Trae Young led the Hawks with 30 points and 11 assists, sealing the win with late free throws.
The Memphis Grizzlies and Atlanta Hawks delivered a basketball showdown for the ages on January 21, 2026. In a game filled with energy, drama, and a razor-thin margin, the Hawks emerged victorious with a 124-122 win at FedExForum in Memphis.
Ja Morant’s Return Boosts the Grizzlies
One of the key storylines heading into the game was the return of Ja Morant, the Grizzlies’ star guard, who had been sidelined for several weeks. Morant participated in the team’s morning shootaround, signaling his readiness to take the court. The crowd erupted as he was introduced, and he did not disappoint. Morant delivered a stellar performance, scoring 28 points and dishing out 9 assists. His quickness and decision-making kept the Hawks’ defense on their heels throughout the game.
However, basketball is a team sport, and while Morant shone brightly, the Grizzlies as a whole struggled to contain Atlanta’s offensive firepower.
Hawks’ Balanced Attack Secures the Win
The Hawks, led by their dynamic guard Trae Young, showcased a balanced offensive approach. Young finished the game with 30 points and 11 assists, dictating the tempo and creating opportunities for his teammates. Clint Capela was a force in the paint, grabbing 15 rebounds and adding 16 points, while De’Andre Hunter contributed with timely three-pointers that kept the Grizzlies at bay.
The Hawks demonstrated their depth, with five players scoring in double digits. This balanced attack made it difficult for Memphis to focus their defensive efforts on any one player.
A Thrilling Final Quarter
The game came down to the wire, with both teams trading baskets in the fourth quarter. The Grizzlies, trailing by as many as 10 points earlier in the game, mounted a furious comeback. Desmond Bane hit a clutch three-pointer with under a minute remaining, cutting the Hawks’ lead to one point. On the following possession, Morant drove to the basket but missed a contested layup. The Hawks secured the rebound, forcing Memphis to foul.
Trae Young sank both free throws, extending Atlanta’s lead to three points. With just seconds left on the clock, the Grizzlies had one final chance to tie the game. Morant found Bane on the wing, but his three-point attempt rimmed out as the buzzer sounded, sealing the Hawks’ victory.
What This Game Means for Both Teams
For the Grizzlies, the narrow loss highlighted both their potential and areas for improvement. The return of Ja Morant is undoubtedly a boost for the team, but they will need to tighten up their defense if they hope to contend in the Western Conference.
Meanwhile, the Hawks’ win solidifies their position as a rising force in the Eastern Conference. Trae Young continues to prove why he is one of the league’s premier playmakers, and the team’s depth makes them a formidable opponent for any contender.
Both teams will take valuable lessons from this game as they continue their respective campaigns. Fans, however, will remember this matchup as a showcase of thrilling basketball and the kind of excitement that makes the NBA so special.
In the end, this game was a perfect reminder of why basketball is called the sport of moments. Both the Grizzlies and Hawks gave fans a contest full of them—intense, unpredictable, and utterly captivating.