CLEVELAND — Ja Morant scored six of his 26 points in the final 30 seconds, including the go-ahead hoop, allowing the Memphis Grizzlies to extend their winning streak to six with a 110-106 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Morant gave Memphis(25-14) a 106-104 lead with a double-pump short jumper, then stripped the ball from Brandon Goodwin and scored on the Cavs' subsequent possession with 22 seconds remaining. Cleveland (21-17) lost for the fourth time in five games.
Darius Garland collected 27 points and 10 assists in his return to Cleveland's lineup after missing four games in the NBA's health and safety protocols. Unfortunately, he made just 2 of 9 shots in the fourth quarter, missing all four attempts from the 3-point line.
With Ricky Rubio and now Isaac Okoro injured, Brandon Goodwin saw big minutes in crunch time, but managed just two points. Cleveland is still awaiting the arrival of veteran Rajon Rondo following a trade, as well as the return of Cedi Osman from the protocols.
Despite the recent cold spell, the Cavaliers still find themselves a solid sixth in the Eastern Conference as the season approaches its halfway point. They'll get two days off before hitting the road for a five-game west-coast trip, beginning with the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.
More Cavs headlines:
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- Masks now required at all Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse events, with COVID vaccine requirements possible at times
- Bally Sports Ohio welcomes new Cleveland Cavaliers sideline reporter Serena Winters
- Cavaliers guard Ricky Rubio out for remainder of the season with ACL tear