MEMPHIS — Given his moniker of “Captain Clutch,” Jalen Brunson would’ve been forgiven if he forced that final shot. 

He may have converted it, too, since Brunson can’t seem to miss with the game on the line these days.

But Brunson instead made the pass with the clock dwindling down, the right play under the circumstances. 

The Grizzlies had hounded the point guard on the perimeter, so he drove into the paint and dished through the collapsing defense to OG Anunoby on the 3-point line. 

Anunoby had enough time to set for the shot and bury a trey with 5.1 seconds remaining in Friday night’s 114-113 thrilling victory.

It became the game-winner because Ja Morant’s layup bounced out on the ensuing possession. 

“I thought the pass was the right play, and it was a great play,” coach Tom Thibodeau said. “OG, he was right and ready, great shot preparation and he let it fly. That was beautiful and that’s what it takes.” 

OG Anunoby of the New York Knicks takes the game-winning shot during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 28, 2025, at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NBAE via Getty Images

Brunson had already pulled off another clutch moment, burying the go-ahead 3-pointer with 24 seconds left.

But Morant followed up with an and-1 drive over Mikal Bridges and Mitchell Robinson, giving the Grizzlies a two-point edge to set up the biggest shot of Anunoby’s Knicks career. 

“Knowing that situation, the attention JB gets on that, I knew I might be open,” Anunoby said. “So just be ready.” 

As a result, the Knicks swept the season series against Memphis (38-21), an impressive accomplishment considering the Grizzlies entered Friday in second in the Western Conference. 

OG Anunoby of the New York Knicks celebrates during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 28, 2025 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NBAE via Getty Images

Just about a month earlier, the Knicks plastered the Grizzlies by 27 points at MSG.

It was one of their best performances of the season, and one of Memphis’ worst.

Unlike that game at the Garden, Friday night at FedEx Forum was close. 

The Grizzlies led for the entire first half, but never by more than nine, and took a 3-point edge into the break.

Miles McBride, Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks celebrate during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 28, 2025, at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NBAE via Getty Images

They then locked up their first double-digit lead with 6:55 remaining in the third quarter. 

But that was short-lived. 

The Knicks took their first lead with 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter.

From there, it was back and forth until Anunoby’s finish and Morant’s miss. 

“You’re gonna be tested a lot of different ways, and it’s always great to win,” Thibodeau said. 

With the long-awaited return of Robinson, the Knicks were at full strength for the first time this season.

Miles McBride and OG Anunoby of the New York Knicks celebrate during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 28, 2025, at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NBAE via Getty Images

But foul problems limited two of their starters and Thibodeau was forced to roll longer with his bench than usual. 

Karl-Anthony Towns’ playing time was sporadic because of the foul problems, and he was out of rhythm, managing just two points in 13 minutes in the first half.

Knicks guard Miles McBride (2) shoots in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. AP

He finished with just 11 points and seven rebounds in 31 minutes.

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Josh Hart also navigated foul trouble while picking up his fifth foul early in the third quarter. He totaled just 12 points on six shots. 

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) handles the ball as Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) defends during the second quarter at FedExForum. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at FedExForum. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

But the collective picked up the slack.

Every Knicks starter scored in double digits.

Miles McBride dropped in 17 points off the bench.

Brunson led the Knicks with 23. 

And the biggest assist. 

“I think it’s [Brunson’s] mindset,” Hart said. “Obviously his shotmaking, but his playmaking I think is the biggest thing. He made a big 3, the next possession he drew two, got in the lane and found OG wide open. 

New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) dunks during the first quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

“It’s his playmaking that gives us confidence. We just know if we’re in a close game, he’s one of the few guys in the league that can do it. Just make sure it’s close and then let him go to work.”