Nets Edge Grizzlies In Overtime Thriller As Playoff Race Heats Up
Nets Edge Grizzlies In Overtime Thriller As Playoff Race Heats Up...
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 112-110 in a dramatic overtime showdown Wednesday night at FedExForum, keeping their playoff hopes alive in a tightly contested Eastern Conference. The game is trending nationally as fans debate officiating calls and clutch performances from stars like Mikal Bridges (31 points) and Ja Morant (28 points, 12 assists).
With just 15 games left in the regular season, the victory moves Brooklyn (34-33) into the 8th seed while Memphis (38-29) clings to the West’s 5th spot. The matchup gained extra attention after Morant’s potential game-winning layup was controversially waved off for an offensive foul with 0.8 seconds left in regulation.
Social media erupted over the call, with ESPN’s replay showing minimal contact between Morant and Nets defender Dorian Finney-Smith. NBA officials later confirmed to pool reporters that the play was “judged correctly” under the league’s freedom-of-movement rules.
Brooklyn’s Cam Johnson delivered the decisive blow in OT, sinking two free throws with 3.4 seconds remaining after drawing a foul on Grizzlies wing Vince Williams Jr. Memphis had one final chance, but Desmond Bane’s 30-foot heave rattled out at the buzzer.
The game’s intensity reflected both teams’ urgency. The Nets have won 7 of their last 10 to stay in the Play-In Tournament hunt, while Memphis is fighting to avoid falling into the West’s 7-10 bracket. Both squads face critical matchups this weekend – Brooklyn hosts Cleveland on Friday, while Memphis travels to Oklahoma City.
Wednesday’s thriller also marked a milestone for Nets interim coach Kevin Ollie, who improved to 5-2 since replacing Jacque Vaughn. The former UConn champion drew praise for his late-game adjustments, including switching Bridges onto Morant in crunch time.
NBA analysts note the result could have major postseason implications. FiveThirtyEight’s projection model now gives Brooklyn a 58% chance to make the playoffs, up from 42% before the win. Memphis saw its odds of avoiding the Play-In drop to 63%, down 11 percentage points.
The league’s Last Two Minute Report, due Thursday afternoon, is expected to draw further attention to the controversial finish. Meanwhile, both teams prepare for rematches – they’ll face off again in Brooklyn on April 6 in what could be another high-stakes battle.
