Imagine a basketball game so intense, it kept fans on the edge of their seats with a staggering 21 lead changes and 14 ties! That's exactly what happened when the Atlanta Hawks narrowly defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 124-122 on January 21, 2026. But here's where it gets controversial... Was it Jalen Johnson's clutch performance or the Grizzlies' missed opportunities that truly decided the game? Let's dive in.
In a thrilling showdown in Memphis, Tennessee, Jalen Johnson emerged as the hero for the Hawks, delivering a powerhouse performance with 32 points, 15 rebounds, and a crucial basket in the final minute. His late-game heroics were instrumental in snapping Atlanta's four-game losing streak. Supporting Johnson were Luke Kennard and Onyeka Okongwu, each contributing 18 points. Kennard, a former Grizzlies sharpshooter, was on fire early, hitting his first six shots, including four from beyond the arc, to give the Hawks an early boost. And this is the part most people miss—his 16 first-half points helped Atlanta reach double-digit 3-pointers for the 37th straight game, a quietly impressive streak.
For the Grizzlies, Ja Morant led the charge with 23 points and 12 assists, though his potential game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer fell short. Jaylen Wells added 18 points, while Jaren Jackson Jr. and Cedric Coward each scored 17. Coward's late 3-pointer brought Memphis within 122-121 with just over a minute left, but Johnson's response from the lane sealed the deal for Atlanta.
The game was a tug-of-war from the start, with 16 lead changes and 10 ties in the first three quarters alone. Memphis entered the fourth quarter with a slim 95-94 lead, but the Hawks' eight-point burst in the final minutes—capped by Johnson's free throws—proved decisive. The margin never exceeded six points in the fourth, keeping the tension high until the final buzzer.
Here’s the bold question: Did the Grizzlies lose this game, or did the Hawks win it? Morant's missed 3-pointer and Memphis' inability to capitalize on late opportunities certainly played a role, but Johnson's clutch performance and Kennard's early explosion were equally pivotal. What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
Up next, the Hawks host the Phoenix Suns on Friday night, while the Grizzlies welcome the New Orleans Pelicans the same evening. Will Memphis bounce back, or will Atlanta ride this momentum? Stay tuned to find out!
