A 19-point Memphis Grizzlies lead in the first half vanished late in the third quarter on Wednesday night against the Utah Jazz (15-51). After it looked like the Grizzlies would pull away and cruise comfortably at FedExForum, they found themselves in another tight game.

Sexton scored to give the Jazz a 115-114 lead with 1:16 left, but Kennard responded with a 3 for the Grizzlies. Morant then hit another 3 to make it 120-115 with 12 seconds remaining. Referee Scott Twardoski did not return for the second half, leaving a two-man crew of Ed Malloy and Brandon Schwab. Twardoski was sidelined by an unspecified injury.

Something has to give soon as the Grizzlies are shooting 33.9% over the past 15 games (23rd overall). Morant has been a steadying presence during this difficult stretch though. Jenkins emphasized Morant’s toughness and adaptability, particularly as the team has dealt with injuries and frequent changes to its rotation.