It has been a troubling few weeks for Grizzlies fans, but our fearless ballers appear to be turning it around. A new rivalry between Memphis and Minnesota has sprung up after their playoff series last year. During the regular season, the Grizzlies have defended their home court well, and Friday night’s victory gives them eight consecutive wins against the Timberwolves at home.
Let’s get into it.
This was the first game after the NBA trade deadline for both teams, and the landscape looked a little different for Minnesota, since former Grizzly Mike Conley was traded to the Timberwolves from the Utah Jazz. Conley made his season debut for his new team as their starting point guard, notching 9 points in the loss.
Minnesota had no answer for Ja Morant — or the Grizzlies’ exceptional offensive production in the painted area.
The Timberwolves won the three-point battle, hitting 15 of 37 of their attempts to the Grizzlies 10 of 25 from distance. But their 45 points off three-pointers was no match for the Grizzlies 72 paint points.
This game was the perfect example of what Memphis needs to do when the outside shots are not falling – drive to the basket and finish around the rim — not ill-advised contested three-pointers five seconds into the shot clock. Looking at you, Dillon Brooks.
The Grizzlies’ trade deadline moves were in part to alleviate their ongoing three-point shooting woes. Memphis said goodbye to Danny Green and is bringing in a top-five three-point shooter in Luke Kennard from the Clippers. Kennard is expected to make his Grizzlies debut Sunday night against the Boston Celtics.
A win in Boston would be the perfect sign that all is right with the world and the Grizzlies are indeed back.
By The Numbers:
Ja Morant led all scorers with 32 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists, and 3 steals, while shooting 3 of 7 from three-point range. Related: Morant was selected to be a replacement starter in the upcoming All-Star game. Number 12 is just THAT guy.
Desmond Bane put up 20 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. Bane struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 1 of 4 from the long line.
Jaren Jackson Jr closed out with 15 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, and 4 blocks.
Santi Aldama and Brandon Clarke combined for 32 points off the bench on 12 of 15 shooting, including Aldama going 3 for 5 from distance.
Who Got Next?
The Grizzlies are hitting the road again, briefly, against the Boston Celtics on Sunday, February 12th. This is going to be an early one, with a 1 PM CST tip-off. Be advised, there is no local broadcast for this one, just the national one on ABC.
