The Memphis Grizzlies headed to Boston for a Sunday afternoon game on national television, and it didn’t go well.
Let’s get into it.
How do you solve a problem like the Boston Celtics? I don’t know, and clearly the Grizzlies don’t either.
Boston beat them on the boards, on the assists, and from three-point range. Getting cooked from outside is not a new phenomenon for this Grizzlies team, but the disparity in three-point shooting was on display and it was not a good look. Trading two-pointers for threes on the other end of the floor isn’t going to give the Grizzlies the outcome they want.
Also, getting beat on the offensive glass, 14-3, highlighted just how much Memphis misses Steven Adams. Xavier Tillman Sr is a lot of things, but a 7-foot kiwi that feasts on rebounds is not one of them.
The Celtics played nine players in Sunday’s matchup, and eight of them scored in double figures. In contrast, the Grizzlies played 10 players and only five of them scored in double figures. Jaren Jackson Jr getting into foul trouble was also a hindrance that hurts even more with Adams out.
Ja Morant mentioned recently that he wasn’t stressing over any Western Conference teams, but the Celtics were on his mind. Sunday’s matchup shows that match-up remains a valid concern for Memphis.
Grizzlies’ fans did get their first look at Luke Kennard, who put up 4 points and 3 rebounds in his Grizzlies debut. Kennard was a trade deadline move that is supposed to get more three-point shooting for Memphis. They are definitely going to need it for the stretch run after the All-Star break.
By The Numbers:
Ja Morant had a game-high 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists. Morant struggled from distance, shooting 0 of 4 from beyond the arc.
Desmond Bane finished the night with 18 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks, while shooting 3 of 7 from beyond the arc.
Jaren Jackson Jr closed out with 15 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal. Jackson fouled out in just over 20 minutes of playing time.
Dillon Brooks ended up with 11 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists, while shooting 3 of 7 from three-point range.
Brandon Clarke led the bench unit with 14 points and 2 rebounds, with a very efficient 7 of 8 field goal attempts.
Who Got Next?
The Grizzlies will be returning home to FedExForum for their final game before the All-Star break. They will host the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, February 15th. Tip-off is at 7 PM CST.
