After a lengthy four-game road trip out west, it seemed like a lifetime had passed since the Memphis Grizzlies last played at the FedExForum.
Memphis went 2-2 on the road trip.
The Grizzlies put on a dominant display before 17,187 delighted fans as they defeated the Charlotte Hornets 130-99, Friday night, proving that there is no place like home.
Memphis maintained its perfect home record (3-0), marking its best start at home since going 5-0 in 2018–19.
On the night, eight Grizzlies reached double figures, including an efficient Dillon Brooks, who had his best game of the season.
“Staying the course, not overreacting,” said Brooks on his performance this season. Just playing through Ja [Morant] and playing through Des (Bane). Just finding my spots, and then just trying to work out every day. Just work on my shot. That’s really it.”
In true “Dillon the Villain” fashion, he said negative comments about his contributions to the team inspire him. Brooks has been criticized for his shot selection and offensive decision-making.
He said, “I just use it as motivation. They love you when you’re hot, and then when you’re not, they don’t love you. Even your own fans. So, you know, it’s me, it’s me and my family, me and my guys,” continued Brooks. “They believe in me, and they tell me every day to keep playing our game, keep working on your game, and I continuously do it. I play for me and my guys, so it doesn’t matter what other people have to say.”
Brooks finished the contest with 23 points, making 8 of 12 field goal attempts and nailing 6 of 7 three-point attempts, tying his previous career high. Brooks added four assists on the night.
“Definitely his best game of the season so far,” said head coach Taylor Jenkins after the game. “He’s been working so hard to get back into his rhythm, the effort he’s playing with. One of his best games in my time here, just the efficiency on offense.”
Jenkins added, “I talked to him before the game. I said, ‘The tone that you’re setting defensively the last couple of games has been phenomenal, especially in the last game in Portland. Keep playing with that tenacity, and then I just love the decision making you’ve been showing.’”
“He’s been putting a lot of work, balance on his shot, playmaking, getting downhill, finishing at the rim,” Jenkins continued
“You get two-way performances like that, that’s why he’s a heck of a player and an important player for us.”
Steven Adams finished the game with his third double-double of the year, a season-high 19 rebounds, including 11 offensive rebounds, 13 points, two steals, and two blocks in just 22 minutes of action.
Adams set a franchise record and a career high for rebounds before halftime with 16 rebounds in the first half (as opposed to 17 for Charlotte as a team).
After the game, Adams admitted he’s more comfortable with the team this season. “There’s just something … understanding the system more,” Adams said. “And especially with the guards, how they play the pick-and-roll and the late reads. There’s more of a comfort with that aspect of it. Last year, I was either helping too early or too late, and I think now I’m starting to get a better feel for when to go.”
“Knowing the guys a bit more and what they want to do,” Adams continued. “It’s also a new year. It’s kind of hard not to compare it to last year because you assume that the refs are the same and teams are emphasizing something on defense, but that’s not the case.”
Adams added, “They emphasize different things and especially against us, they’ll change the scout completely. And there’s a lot of that going on too, strategically. I have to be an option in terms of being available offensively or being aggressive to punish them when they try and make an adjustment to deal with [Desmond Bane] and Ja [Morant].”
Highlights
And Brooks’ daughter had her own highlight.
Up Next
The Grizzlies will take on the Washington Wizards on Sunday (5pm) and the Boston Celtics on Monday (8pm).
Brooks said he is already thinking about how he will guard Bradley Beal on Sunday.
