Caris LeVert delivered a stunning buzzer-beating layup as the Atlanta Hawks snapped their four-game losing streak with a thrilling 132-130 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on January 21, 2026. The dramatic finish saw Dyson Daniels force a crucial turnover, setting up LeVert’s game-winning shot at FedExForum with time expired, sending the visiting Hawks to an emotional victory.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Final Score: Hawks 132, Grizzlies 130 in a two-point thriller
- Game Winner: Caris LeVert scored 25 points including the layup at the buzzer
- Streak Snapped: Atlanta ended four consecutive losses with the home loss to Milwaukee
- Grizzlies Records: Memphis suffered their third straight loss despite leading most of regulation
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Caris LeVert transformed the game in the final minutes, exploding for 16 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter on a remarkable 7-for-8 shooting (88%). The Hawks guard scored seven consecutive points in the closing stretch, including five points in the final two minutes of the thriller. His performance exemplified clutch playoff-caliber execution under maximum pressure.
LeVert’s layup came after Dyson Daniels executed a perfect defensive play, stealing the inbound pass and quickly finding LeVert for the winning bucket. The Hawks defense forced Memphis into critical mistakes in the crucial final possession, turning the game’s momentum entirely in Atlanta’s favor with just seconds remaining.
Risacher Leads Hawks Offensive Firepower Throughout
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Zaccharie Risacher anchored Atlanta’s scoring attack with 27 points, establishing himself as the primary offensive weapon throughout the 40-minute battle. The Hawks young forward provided consistent scoring across all four quarters, complementing LeVert’s late-game explosion with steady-handed production. Onyeka Okongwu contributed 16 points off the bench, adding critical depth to the Hawks’ lineup.
| Player | Team | Points | Role |
| Caris LeVert | Hawks | 25 | Game Winner |
| Zaccharie Risacher | Hawks | 27 | Leading Scorer |
| Onyeka Okongwu | Hawks | 16 | Bench Contributor |
| Ja Morant | Grizzlies | TBA | Grizzlies Star |
The Hawks bench showed resilience and depth, outscoring Memphis reserves in crucial moments. Atlanta’s balanced scoring approach proved decisive in the final frame, as multiple weapons kept the offense flowing despite Memphis defenders’ best efforts to contain the explosive Hawks lineup.
“LeVert scored the final seven points of the game, including the game-winning basket as time expired.”
— ESPN Game Recap, Coverage of Hawks vs Grizzlies
Momentum Swings Late as Hawks Rally From Deficit
The Hawks mounted a spectacular second-half comeback, erasing an early Memphis advantage to forge this point-blank finish. Atlanta bench contributions and defensive intensity in the third and fourth quarters shifted the game’s narrative entirely. Dyson Daniels’ perimeter defense and LeVert’s scoring surge created the perfect storm for Hawks momentum heading into crucial moments.
Memphis struggled to close out key possessions down the stretch, with multiple defensive lapses allowing Atlanta to stay within striking distance. The Grizzlies inability to execute on their final offensive possession cost them a potential home victory, as Hawks defenders capitalized on the turnover opportunity.
What Happens Next for Both Teams in Playoff Race?
This victory provides tremendous momentum for the Hawks as they continue their Eastern Conference push, moving them back into contention after a difficult four-game stretch. The win demonstrates Atlanta’s capacity for clutch execution and resilience when it matters most in tight contests. Looking ahead, the Hawks must sustain this energy level as they face additional tests in their path to playoff positioning.
For Memphis, the loss represents a missed opportunity to strengthen their Western Conference standing. The Grizzlies have dropped three consecutive games, signaling possible concerns about consistency. Memphis must regroup quickly to prevent further momentum loss and reassert dominance at FedExForum in upcoming home contests, as each loss impacts their playoff seeding significantly.
Sources
- NBA.com – Official game recap and statistics from Hawks vs Grizzlies January 21, 2026
- ESPN – Live coverage, final score updates and player performance analysis
- Fox Sports – Box score details and game timeline information
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.