Heat Fall at the Buzzer: Ja Morant Lifts Grizzlies in Thriller

Grizzlies Stun Heat with Ja Morant’s Game-Winner: Miami Falls 110-108

MIAMI — The Miami Heat saw a hard-fought game slip through their fingers Wednesday night, as Ja Morant hit a cold-blooded game-winner over rookie Kel’el Ware while the buzzer sounded to lift the Memphis Grizzlies to a 110-108 victory at Kaseya Center.

Despite a 35-point explosion from Tyler Herro and a double-double from Bam Adebayo, the Heat couldn’t deliver in the clutch, falling to 35-42 on the season. The loss doesn’t threaten their Play-In status—they’re locked into at least that—but it adds more weight to the final few games as they fight for seeding and momentum.

Herro Goes Off, But Heat Come Up Short

Tyler Herro was electric. The sixth-year guard scored 35 points on 12-of-23 shooting (4-of-7 from three) while adding 9 rebounds and 4 assists. He kept Miami in it during a fast-paced third quarter where both teams put up 35 points, and he was the most consistent creator down the stretch.

Bam had a clutch block in the last minute that helped the Heat tie the game at 108 on Herro’s floater before Morant ultimately hit the dagger.

Bam Adebayo chipped in with 26 points, 7 boards, and 5 assists in 34 minutes, while rookie big Kel’el Ware impressed with 13 points and 15 rebounds. But outside of those three, Miami’s offense sputtered. The starting wings—Alec Burks and Pelle Larsson—combined for just 5 points, while the bench provided few answers.

Kyle Anderson and Duncan Robinson added 6 points each, and Davion Mitchell gave great effort in 37 minutes (11/4/7/3), but it wasn’t enough to keep pace with Memphis’ balanced attack.

Ja Morant Calls Game

With the score tied at 108 and the shot clock off, Ja Morant isolated at the top of the key, took a hard dribble left and hit a step back midrange over Kel’el Ware to end the Heat’s win streak at 6. It was vintage Morant—confident, fearless, and clutch.

Morant finished with 30 points on 11-of-22 shooting (27 in the second half), plus 3 assists and 5 boards. He controlled the tempo from start to finish and delivered the final blow when it mattered most.

Desmond Bane struggled shooting (6-of-23, 1-of-9 from three), but still filled the stat sheet with 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. Jaren Jackson Jr. added 13 points and 4 rebounds, while rookie big Zach Edey grabbed 13 boards and controlled the paint.

Off the bench, Scotty Pippen Jr. was a game-changer with 17 points and 7 assists in 27 minutes, giving Memphis quality second-unit minutes when Morant rested.

Key Stats & Missed Chances

The teams shot quite similar from three (42.4% to 42.1%) and the line (84.2% to 82.4%), but the Grizzlies held a slight edge on the boards (49-47). Memphis also took care of the ball better down the stretch which helped them gain control down the stretch. Miami only had two turnovers in the second half but really struggled from the field in the fourth quarter going 8/24 from the floor.

Miami’s loss ultimately came from the lack of support from its bench, Miami could have used more help from Burks, Larsson, Anderson and Robinson, but the Heat at times seemed drained today on the second half of the back-to-back and ultimately battled it out vs a good Grizzlies squad.

 The final buzzer sounded with Miami stunned and Memphis celebrating, especially Ja Morant who was more than happy to send the crowd home upset.

What This Means Moving Forward

For the Heat, the loss doesn’t jeopardize their postseason appearance, but it does tighten their position in the Play-In standings. With just five games left, every win matters—not just for seeding, but to build rhythm and identity.

For Memphis, the win moves them to 45-32 and keeps them in play for a top six seed out West. Morant’s return has energized the team, and contributions from emerging players like Pippen Jr. and Edey are making the Grizzlies a deeper, more dangerous team than their record may suggest.

Final Word:
Ja Morant didn’t just win the game—he took the moment. And for a Heat team still trying to find its best version, that one shot was the difference between momentum and another frustrating loss.