Keyonte George erupts for a career-best 39 points, fueling a 130-126 Utah Jazz victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, even as Ja Morant returns to the lineup.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — George poured in 39 points, the highest of his career, and closed out the Jazz’s final stretch with the last six points to cap a thrilling win at FedExForum. Utah snapped a two-game skid by edging Memphis in a game that marked Morant’s comeback from a right calf strain.
The scoreboard read 126-126 with under a minute to go before George nailed a 22-foot jumper to propel Utah ahead for good. He then sealed it by converting two free throws with 6.8 seconds remaining. George also contributed eight assists as part of a well-rounded night.
Lauri Markkanen contributed 26 points and nine rebounds, while Kevin Love added 20 points, including 13 in the third quarter, keeping the Jazz within reach. Santi Aldama led Memphis with 22 points, and Morant, back after missing ten games, finished with 21 points and 10 assists. Cam Spencer added 20 points, going 6-for-6 from beyond the arc.
Memphis led 64-61 at halftime despite George's 27 points, with neither team delivering a double-digit advantage in the first half. The Grizzlies held double-digit leads in the third quarter, but two late 3s from Love—part of a 13-point third period—spurred Utah to a 103-97 edge heading into the fourth.
Utah had dropped seven of its previous ten games, including three by at least 28 points. Memphis entered at 11-13 and had mainly defeated sub-.500 clubs; only one win came against a team above .500 (a 114-113 victory at Phoenix on Oct. 29). Several Grizzlies wins came against teams lower than them in the Western Conference standings.
Upcoming schedules:
- Jazz host Dallas on Monday to begin a three-game homestand.
- Grizzlies travel to Los Angeles to face the Clippers on Monday.
Source: Associated Press
