Ja Morant hits a game-winner for Grizzlies against Hornets, celebrates with dad: Watch

Memphis Grizzlies rookie point guard Ja Morant hit the game-winning shot on Thursday against the Charlotte Hornets. Morant made the first game-winner of his career to lift the Grizzlies to a dramatic 119-117 win. 

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Ja Morant shines for Memphis Grizzlies

Ja Morant was the No 2 pick in the draft this summer, behind No 1 pick Zion Williamson. But the No 1 overall pick went down with a knee injury, which has opened up the door for Morant to shine. Morant has taken advantage, getting off to a terrific start to his NBA career. Entering Thursday night's game, he was putting up 17.8 points and 5.2 assists per game, leading all rookies in both of those categories. Both of those numbers will go up after his performance against the Hornets, during which he dropped 23 points and 11 assists on 10-of-15 shooting.

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Hornets vs Grizzlies: A Ja Morant game-winner

Down by 12 late in the third quarter on Thursday, the Grizzlies had not only fought their way back into the game but taken control and built a lead themselves. With just over two minutes left, they led 115-105 and seemed to have sealed the game but the Hornets went on an insane 10-2 run to tie things up at 117-117. 

Enters Ja Morant. As the final few seconds were passing by, Morant took off, where he was met by three different Hornets. Somehow, he contorted his body in mid-air and was able to scoop up the ball underneath the outstretched arm of Cody Zeller. It went off the glass, bounced a few times on the rim, and fell through to give the Grizzlies the win.

The Grizzlies won by a final score of 119-117 to improve to 4-7 on the season. Morant finished with 23 points and 11 assists in 30 minutes.

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Another angle of the 'Ja Morant game-winner'

An emotional Ja Morant hugs his father on the court

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