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Grizzlies' Ja Morant nets game-winner between three Hornets defenders

By Alex Butler
Ja Morant led the Memphis Grizzlies with 23 points and 11 assists in a win against the Charlotte Hornets Wednesday in Charlotte, N.C. Photo courtesy of the Memphis Grizzlies/YouTube
Ja Morant led the Memphis Grizzlies with 23 points and 11 assists in a win against the Charlotte Hornets Wednesday in Charlotte, N.C. Photo courtesy of the Memphis Grizzlies/YouTube

Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Rookie Ja Morant continues to make an impact on the NBA, most recently lifting the Memphis Grizzlies to a victory by netting a game-winning shot between three Charlotte Hornets defenders.

Morant's latest heroic act came in the final seconds of the Grizzlies' 119-117 triumph Wednesday at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C.

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"Coach called my number," Morant told Fox Sports in his postgame interview. "He told me to attack. When I come off, wait, and then just attack the rack and make a play. I got by the defender and saw a clear lane.

"I just took it."

The Grizzlies and Hornets were tied at 117-117 with about five seconds remaining when Morant dribbled up on Hornets defender Cody Martin. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft did a crossover dribble before putting the ball in his left hand. Morant then did an inside-out dribble move, getting Martin off balance, before sprinting into the paint.

Hornets forward Miles Bridges and 7-foot center Cody Zeller converged on Morant as he neared the rim. Morant tossed a shot off of the back of the rim, despite being surrounded by the trio of defenders. The ball bounced several times before falling through the net.

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The shot fell with less than a second remaining on the clock.

Morant led the Grizzlies with 23 points and 11 assists. Terry Rozier scored a game-high 33 points for the Hornets. Jonas Valanciunas chipped in 18 points and 13 rebounds for the Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies host the Utah Jazz at 8 p.m. EST Friday at FedExForum in Memphis. The Hornets host the Detroit Pistons at 7 p.m. Friday at Spectrum Center.

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