Grizzlies Edge Rockets In Overtime Thriller As Playoff Race Heats Up

Grizzlies Edge Rockets In Overtime Thriller As Playoff Race Heats Up...

The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Houston Rockets 112-110 in overtime last night at FedExForum, keeping their Western Conference playoff hopes alive. The game drew national attention as both teams fight for postseason positioning with just two weeks remaining in the regular season.

Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 32 points and 9 assists, including a crucial layup with 12 seconds left in overtime. Jalen Green countered with 28 points for the Rockets, who fell to 9th place in the West after the loss.

The matchup is trending today as basketball fans debate whether the Grizzlies can overcome their injury woes to secure a playoff spot. Memphis (42-35) now sits just one game behind Phoenix for the 8th seed, while Houston (40-37) faces must-win games against Denver and Golden State this week.

FedExForum erupted when Desmond Bane hit a game-tying three-pointer with 3.4 seconds left in regulation. The shot capped a 12-4 Memphis run that forced overtime. Rockets coach Ime Udoka called it "the backbreaker" in postgame comments.

NBA analysts note this was the teams' final regular season meeting, adding playoff implications to the intense rivalry. The Grizzlies improved to 3-1 against Houston this season, with all four games decided by single digits.

League officials confirmed the game drew ESPN's highest Wednesday night NBA audience this season. Social media engagement spiked during the back-and-forth fourth quarter and overtime period.

Both teams face critical matchups this weekend. Memphis hosts Sacramento on Friday, while Houston travels to Denver. The Western Conference standings remain tightly packed, with six teams separated by just three games from 6th to 11th place.