SALT LAKE CITY -- Marc Gasol had 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists, and the Memphis Grizzlies held on for a dramatic 89-88 victory over the Utah Jazz on Friday night that strengthened their playoff positioning.
The Grizzlies closed the game on a 16-6 run, but had to wait out a few anxious moments at the end. Gasol was called for a foul on a 3-point attempt by Hayward with .01 seconds remaining. Hayward buried the first two free throws, but missed the third that likely would have forced overtime.
Memphis moved a game ahead of Houston in the race to win the Southwest Division and the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. The Rockets lost 104-103 to the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night.
Beno Udrih started for the injured Mike Conley and had 20 points for Memphis on 9-for-13 shooting. Zach Randolph added 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Gordon Hayward scored 27 points for Utah, and Rodney Hood continued his hot streak with 18. Rudy Gobert had his 22nd double-double of the season with 14 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks.
