Wednesday night, the Memphis Grizzlies returned to Chase Center to face off against the Golden State Warriors. The rivalry between these two teams is real, and despite 24 lead changes and battling to the final buzzer, the Grizzlies were delivered their fourth-straight loss.
Let’s get into it.
Another day, another loss where the margin of defeat was smaller than the number of free throws missed. Ja Morant had the greatest struggle from the charity stripe, shooting just 7 of 12. The ability to make free throws in clutch situations and score with the clock stopped has eluded this team all season, usually with disastrous results. Combine that with ongoing struggles in shot selection and it works out to some ugly basketball.
Memphis is going to be without starting center Steven Adams for the next 3-5 weeks and will need someone to step up and take over Adams’ rebounding responsibilities. Brandon Clarke assumed the starting center role against the Warriors but was unable to be as effective on the offensive glass. Clarke has historically been more comfortable coming off the bench so it will be interesting to see if his production numbers hold up if he continues in the starting lineup.
By the Numbers:
All five starters ended the night with double-digit points, and the team was able to capitalize on sloppy ball handling by the Warriors, turning 22 Golden State turnovers into 29 points.
Ja Morant led the team with 29 points, 4 rebounds, 12 assists, and 2 steals. Desmond Bane had 20 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists. Brandon Clarke finished the night with 19 points and 8 rebounds, while shooting 8 of 10 from the floor. Jaren Jackson Jr closed out with 17 points and 6 rebounds but fouled out late in the fourth quarter.
Santi Aldama brought the heat from the second unit, finishing with 13 points including shooting 2 of 2 from beyond the arc.
Nothing more to be done but move on to the next one.
Who Got Next?
The Grizzlies are headed to Minnesota for the final stop on this five-game road trip. They face off against the Timberwolves Friday night, January 27th. Tip-off is at 6:30 CST.
