NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
•Subscribe to NBA League Pass NOW
We present The Horry Scale, which evaluates a game-winning buzzer-beater (GWBB) based on its difficulty, the situation in the game (whether the team was trailing or tied), significance (was it a playoff matchup or a routine game in November?), and the ensuing celebration. An overall score is then assigned on a scale of 1-5 Robert Horrys, honoring the saint of clutch moments.
* * *
In a thrilling matchup featuring Tyler Herro and Ja Morant, it was Memphis’ standout point guard who ultimately triumphed, concluding a stellar 30-point performance with a game-winning fadeaway just as the clock expired. This clutch shot secured a vital 110-108 victory for the Grizzlies in South Beach, bringing an end to their four-game losing streak while also halting Miami’s six-game winning run.
With 13.8 seconds left on the clock, Herro, who led all scorers with 35 points, made a floater to even the score at 108, prompting Memphis to call a timeout to strategize for their last possession.
GAME SITUATION: Following the timeout, the Grizzlies opted to push the ball the full length of the court. Desmond Bane passed to Morant, who drove into the paint, creating space to launch a smooth fadeaway jumper over the outstretched arm of 7-foot Kel’el Ware. The ball danced on the rim before finally dropping in just as the buzzer sounded.
DIFFICULTY: With the score tied at 108 and the Kaseya Center roaring, Morant faced the challenge of shooting over Ware’s lengthy reach. Reflecting on that final play, Morant expressed his confidence in securing the win. “With a pigeon guarding me, I’ll go get a bucket to win the game,” he remarked.
CELEBRATION: After making the decisive shot, Morant sprinted to the end of the court to hug his father, Tee Morant, who was present courtside. Moments later, his teammates joined in to celebrate, surrounding the star guard in excitement.
JA CLINCHES THE GAME FOR THE GRIZZLIES AT THE BUZZER 🚨🔥#TissotBuzzerBeater#YourTimeDefinesYourGreatnesspic.twitter.com/wK40AWOTmi
— NBA (@NBA) April 4, 2025
GRADE: With only a couple of weeks remaining in the regular season, every game holds considerable weight. This clash certainly lived up to expectations. Morant’s clutch performance not only snapped Memphis’ four-game losing streak but also marked interim coach Tuomas Iisalo’s first victory, propelling the Grizzlies out of the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament and into the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference. This earns it a score of 3.5 Horrys.
