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Here’s a quick reminder about The Horry Scale: It analyzes a game-winning buzzer-beater (GWBB) across several dimensions, including difficulty, game context (was the team ahead, tied, or trailing?), significance (is it a playoff match or a regular-season game in November?), and the celebration. Each buzzer-beater is then assigned an overall rating from 1 to 5 Robert Horrys, a nod to the figure synonymous with last-minute miracles.
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February has come to a close, yet for the Grizzlies, every day feels like déjà vu.
The Monday matchup ended in their third consecutive defeat at the last moment, with this one amplified by a buzzer-beater, following two prior heartbreaking losses at the hands of the Knicks and Spurs, each decided by a last-second bucket.
On this occasion, the Grizzlies could have clinched victory with a tied score, but they faltered while facing Dyson Daniels, the so-called “Great Barrier Thief,” who managed to strip the ball from Desmond Bane and quickly delivered a Eurostep layup for Caris LeVert as time ran out.
DYSON DANIELS CARIS LEVERT HAWKS TRIUMPH pic.twitter.com/kKBq3zzxwy
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) March 4, 2025
GAME CONTEXT: In a thrilling contest marked by 18 lead changes and a strangely symmetrical middle section – with the Hawks taking the second quarter 42-31 and the Grizzlies responding by winning the third in the same manner – Atlanta was down 126-116 with 5:25 remaining.
LeVert set up a floater for Daniels and then scored 12 of the Hawks’ final 14 points, including the crucial last seven. With the score level after LeVert missed a 3-pointer, Memphis opted to play for the final shot. Bane initiated his drive with nine seconds left, heading left around a screen, while Daniels remained glued to his counterpart in a one-on-one scenario.
DIFFICULTY: Dyson’s steal showcased textbook defensive skills. He began by navigating over a screen—take notes, aspiring defenders—using proper footwork, arms outstretched, and seized the moment to dislodge the ball with flawless timing.
LeVert immediately took off, becoming the first player from either team to spring into action. Jaylen Wells stumbled momentarily but quickly regained his footing to challenge LeVert’s clear path. The Hawks’ forward executed a Eurostep, finishing with his right hand just as Vince Williams Jr. attempted to contest but couldn’t quite reach in time.
CELEBRATION: After sinking the basket, LeVert faced his teammates and erupted in a primal yell, arms fully extended. Assist-maker Daniels was the first in for a celebratory bump, while Terance Mann pulled everyone in for a group hug. This allowed the rest of the team to assemble and help LeVert off the court as the final whistle blew.
Check out Trae 😂😂😂 https://t.co/8AX6Ru3w4M pic.twitter.com/Ohw9at1HIr
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) March 4, 2025
SCORE: Heading into Monday’s game, the Hawks had dropped five out of six, falling behind both the Heat and Magic in the tight race for home-court advantage in the Eastern Conference side of the SoFi Play-In Tournament. After coming within one stop of overtime, Atlanta not only overcame the Grizzlies but also crafted an opportunity to seal the game in regulation. LeVert confidently finished under pressure, leaving the Grizzlies in a troublesome slump. 4 1/2 Horrys.
