The Memphis Grizzlies faced off against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night and were defeated 133-124.
Cleveland has been having a breakout year, starting with a franchise record of 15 straight wins to start the season. With this win, they have set a new record 16-game winning streak. They are the first team with multiple 15-game winning streaks in the same season since the 2006-2007 Phoenix Suns.
I expected Memphis to lose this game. However, how they lost and how Cleveland outmatched them is worth mentioning, as it highlights an issue with three-point shooting that has plagued the Grizzlies this season.
The Cavs dominated from beyond the arc from the start, and the Grizzlies struggled to hit shots from three-point range.
Cleveland outscored Memphis 57-33 from beyond the arc, while Memphis outscored Cleveland 66-44 in the painted area.
Luke Kennard, the Grizzlies’ best three-point shooter and one of the best outside shooters in the league, finished the night with zero points and shot 0 of 4 from three, just one game after putting up his career-high against the Utah Jazz.
Cleveland was missing its best player, all-star Donovan Mitchell, but that didn’t slow them down — seven players scored in double figures.
The Cavs came out shooting hot, and the Grizzlies very much did not — that was the theme of the first half. The Cavs opened the second quarter on a 20-9 run, and by the midway point, they had built a 75-58 lead over the Grizzlies.
Memphis did attempt to come back in the second half and managed to cut the lead to single digits briefly in the fourth quarter, outscoring Cleveland 32-21 in the final period. But this was an instance of being outmatched by a team that just flat-out played better.
Despite the loss, it wasn’t all doom and gloom for Grizzlies fans.
Ja Morant scored a new season-high of 44 points and has been on fire throughout March, averaging 31.3 points, 4 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game.
Friday night also saw the return of Jaren Jackson Jr., who has been sidelined with a sprained left ankle. He was expected to miss 3-4 weeks but returned to the court after just five games.
The Grizzlies need him on the court if they are to have any chance at a decent postseason run.
By The Numbers:
Morant put up a season-high 44 points on 17 of 22 overall shooting, and added 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 steal.
Jackson Jr. put up 13 points, 3 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 blocks in his return while shooting a team-best 3 of 5 from three-point range.
Desmond Bane finished with 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Brandon Clarke led the bench with 13 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal while shooting 5 of 7 overall.
Who Got Next?
The Grizzlies are back at it again Saturday. They face the Miami Heat to finish their five-game homestand. Tip-off is at 7 PM CDT.
Postgame, the team will honor Grizzlies legend Tony Allen as they retire his number 9 jersey.
