All good things must end, and the Grizzlies’ 11-game winning streak was no exception.
Let’s get into it.
It was game one of a five-game road trip, against a Lakers team that was hungry for wins, on their home turf, and in their time zone. But the game was a slog in the mud to the very end, and the Grizzlies missed several opportunities that could have turned the contest in their favor.
Props to the Lakers, and Russell Westbrook and LeBron James in particular. They outplayed a Memphis team that couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn – or their free throws.
Free throws. The Grizzlies were 26 of 40 from the free throw line, which is awful in and of itself, but especially in a game they lost by one point. They’ve consistently been the worst team in the league in terms of free-throw percentage, and that has cost them games numerous times this season.
Turnovers were another thorn in their side. Los Angeles managed to pick up 16 points off 14 Memphis turnovers, while Memphis only managed to score seven points off 10 Lakers turnovers.
And we cannot forget the non-game shenanigans that occurred between former NFL player and media personality Shannon Sharpe and Dillon Brooks, which ended up escalating and involving Steven Adams and Tee Morant, Ja Morant’s dad.
The gist of it was that Sharpe heckled Brooks, saying that he wasn’t big enough to guard LeBron James, and Brooks running his mouth right back. It ended with Tee Morant wanting to square up with Shannon Sharpe at halftime. There was no point in which this situation turned physical, and while Sharpe and Tee Morant did make amends shortly after, the whole thing was stupid and unnecessary.
By The Numbers:
Ja Morant finished with a team-high 22 points, 3 rebounds, and 8 assists. Morant did not have a good shooting night, going 9 of 29 in field goal attempts, and 1 of 6 from three-point range.
Steven Adams closed out with 16 points, 17 rebounds, and 2 assists.
Desmond Bane also finished with 16 points, and added 8 rebounds, and 6 assists.
From the second unit, Brandon Clarke had 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks.
Tyus Jones also had 20 points and 2 assists.
Who Got Next?
The road trip continues Sunday, January 22nd, when the Grizzlies return to Phoenix to face off against the Suns. Tip-off is at 7 PM CST.
