Author: Sharon Brown

Sharon Brown is a University of Memphis graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Professional Studies with a concentration in Legal Studies. Born and raised in the Mississippi Delta, Sharon is one of the Memphis Grizzlies beat writers for the Memphis Flyer. She has created a niche in the industry by co-founding All Heart in Hoop City — a unique community of women sportswriters.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Win Final Regular Season Game

Memphis Grizzlies forward Lamar Stevens (8) handles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Memphis. (Photo: Wes Hale)

The Memphis Grizzlies ended the 2024-25 regular season on a high note, defeating the Dallas Mavericks 132-97 at FedExForum.

Memphis finished the season 3-1 against the Mavericks and snapped a four-game home losing streak, concluding the regular season with a 26-15 home record at FedExForum.

The Grizzlies gave most of their regular rotation players rest after a taxing three-game stretch.

Mostly bench players put on a show, delivering an impressive performance before a packed house.

Lamar Stevens led the Grizzlies with a career-high 31 points, complemented by six rebounds and three assists in a standout performance.

Marvin Bagley III posted a season-high 25 points and grabbed a season-best 11 rebounds, securing his first double-double of the season.

Rookie Cam Spencer had a breakout performance, setting career highs with 23 points and seven assists.

Jay Huff exploded off the bench, scoring a career-high 22 points to go with six rebounds, six blocks (tying a career high), and two steals.

Vince Williams Jr. notched his first double-double of the season — and fourth of his career — with 12 points and a season-high 11 rebounds, adding five assists.

Yuki Kawamura set career highs off the bench, scoring 12 points, grabbing five rebounds, and dishing out five assists.

John Konchar added two points, seven rebounds, and three assists, highlighted by a career-high six steals.

Memphis (48-34) secured the eighth seed in the NBA Play-In Tournament and will face the Golden State Warriors (48-34), the seventh seed, on April 15th at 9 p.m. CT at Chase Center. The game will be televised on TNT.

The winner of the Grizzlies-Warriors matchup will earn the seventh seed and face the No. 2 seeded Houston Rockets in the first round. The loser will play the winner of the Kings-Mavericks game for the eighth seed and face the league-leading Oklahoma City Thunder.

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Beyond the Arc Sports Uncategorized

Grizzlies Take Down Pistons to Win Second Straight

Desmond Bane shoots the ball against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday, April 5, 2025 (Photo by: Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies secured the season series against the Detroit Pistons with a 109-103 win Saturday night, marking their ninth consecutive victory over Detroit. 

The Grizzlies dominated Detroit on the glass, out-rebounding them 64-44 and converted 17 offensive boards into 23 second-chance points. 

Grizzlies All-Star guard Ja Morant was sidelined due to food poisoning. His backcourt mate Desmond Bane led Memphis in his absence.

Bane exploded for 38 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and dished out three assists, while shooting 15-for-23 from the field. His 15 made shots tied for the second-most in his career, behind the 19 he made in a 49-point outing against the Pistons last season.

“He’s a good player and he can score in so many different ways,” Piston’s head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said of Bane after the game. “He can make open shots; he can put the ball on the floor and create his own. He’s good at driving the ball and creating contact. He’s just a well-rounded offensive player.”

Memphis held Detroit to just 38 percent shooting, a promising sign that the team’s defense might be back on track. Have the Grizzlies finally figured out their identity on that end of the floor? Let’s hope so. The question on everyone’s mind is: Can they sustain this level of defensive intensity going forward? 

Bane said of the defense after the much-needed win , “That’s got to be our calling card for now, and for the rest of the season. We (have) to be able to get stops.”

Jaren Jackson Jr. posted 27 points, and added 11 rebounds, two assists, and a steal. He’s now scored 20+ points in five of his last six games and has reached double figures in 12 consecutive games.

Scotty Pippen Jr. added 15 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two blocked shots.

Zach Edey set a new career high and Grizzlies rookie record with 21 rebounds, adding six points, six assists, and a block. He’s been dominating on the glass, grabbing 13+ rebounds in each of his last three games. Edey currently ranks second among rookies with 8.0 rebounds per game, just behind Yves Missi’s 8.2. His impressive rebounding effort also tied for the 12th-most in a single game in Grizzlies franchise history.

Grizzlies interim head coach Tuomas Iisalo on Edey’s night: “He had a huge impact. He’s had an incredible stretch of games, 21 rebounds today. I think that’s a franchise rookie record. He also had six assists on top of that. There’s a lot of noise in an individual game basis, but he’s grasping the tactical nuances, he’s disciplined and executing the game plan. He’s relentless in getting after the second shots and screening for our shooters. He’s got a very bright future ahead of him.”

The Grizzlies improved to 46-32 on the season, putting them in a heated contest for postseason aspirations with only four games left to play. Every game matters at this point.

Up Next

The Grizzlies will face the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday at 6 p.m. CT at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Can the Grizzlies Turn Their Season Around?

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) shoots the ball against Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody (4) on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at FedExForum. (Wes Hale/The Memphis Flyer)

The Memphis Grizzlies are undoubtedly the talk of the town lately, and for good reason. With their recent struggles on the court, including a four-game losing streak, and the firing of head coach Taylor Jenkins, there’s been no shortage of speculation and debate among fans and pundits alike. 

There’s no denying that the team has hit a rough patch, managing only two wins in their last 10 outings. As a result, they’ve plummeted from second place in the Western Conference to eighth, with only six games remaining. The slide has put them in a precarious position, where they’re now at risk of being relegated to the play-in tournament.

The Grizzlies are particularly struggling against top-tier opponents, having dropped 12 straight games to teams with a winning record. There’s no doubt Memphis is in the midst of a crisis, with their season seemingly unraveling at the seams. 

Frustration is also mounting among Grizzlies players and fans, as the team’s promising season has taken a disappointing turn, and Tuomas Iisalo’s tenure as interim coach has gotten off to a winless start.

Iisalo pointed out after the 134-125 loss to the Warriors that the team failed to effectively communicate and execute their game plan, and he assured that they would improve in these areas moving forward.

Iisalo acknowledged that the losses provided little comfort, but highlighted the team’s resilience, tenacity, and unity in the face of a physically and emotionally exhausting schedule.

“You can sense they are hurting,” Iisalo said. “Everybody is hurting in that locker room. It hurts when you really put yourself out in life and you come up a little bit short. That’s life — that’s sports. That’s the natural growing pains and I don’t think it’s something you need to run from.”

Yes, it’s painful to fall short despite giving your best effort. And it’s definitely an inherent part of life. Embracing and learning from disappointment is crucial; rather than trying to escape, you have to own up to it. 

Iisalo remains optimistic that the team’s strong work ethic, intensity, and unity will lead to success. Despite time being limited, he believes the team’s solid foundation provides a stable base for growth.

To improve, the Grizzlies need to rectify simple mistakes — particularly on defense — and leverage their offensive strengths more effectively.

Prior to the All-Star break, Memphis boasted a formidable defense, ranking seventh in the league. Their defensive performance has plummeted to 20th since the break. This significant decline is mirrored on the offensive side, where they dropped from fifth to 16th over the same period.

The bottom line is that the team needs to find a way to improve and secure wins. Sluggish starts to games are significant hurdles to overcome.

The Grizzlies possess a tantalizing blend of talent, spearheaded by the dynamic trio of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. But the team’s maddening inconsistency has become a recurring theme, leaving many to ponder what’s next for the team. 

Morant, the Grizzlies’ star guard, admits that the team has been feeling the pressure lately, particularly after playing three games in just four days. He acknowledged the mental and physical toll it has taken on the team, and emphasized the need for a change in mentality, especially when playing on the road. He’s calling for the team to “flip the script” and secure some much-needed wins.

Jackson Jr. stressed the need for urgency, citing the in-locker room display that tracks the conference standings in real-time, serving as a constant reminder of the team’s position and the importance of staying focused.

For the Grizzlies, it’s not just about the standings, but about showing heart and making the most of every opportunity. As the season winds down, Grizzlies fans are hoping for a return to form and a resolute playoff drive that represents the team’s authentic basketball identity: All Heart, Grit, Grind! 

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Post-Jenkins Era Begins with Loss to Lakers

Desmond Bane goes up for a layup against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at FedExForum (Photo by: Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies’ loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, 134-127, on Saturday night only added to the shock of head coach Taylor Jenkins’ abrupt firing on Friday morning. Jenkins, who had been with the team for six seasons, was let go despite the Grizzlies’ 44-29 record, which has them tied with the Lakers for the 4/5 seeds in the Western Conference.

The decision to fire Jenkins was made by Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman, who cited “urgency” as a core principle of the team. Kleiman stated that he came to the conclusion that firing Jenkins was in the best interest of the team. 

Jenkins’ firing sent shockwaves through the NBA, with many questioning the timing and reasoning behind the decision. The Grizzlies named assistant coach Tuomas Iisalo as the interim head coach. 

Prior to the game Iisalo expressed shock and surprise at Jenkins’ sudden firing, stating he had no inkling it was coming. He then accepted the role of interim head coach and has been scrambling to get organized and adjust to the new situation. 

The Grizzlies’ first-quarter struggles remained unchanged despite the coaching change, as they trailed the Lakers 39-28.

Iisalo attributed the loss to a poor first half, citing the team’s failure to execute the basics. He acknowledged the Lakers’ potent trio, but emphasized that the Grizzlies’ slow start was the decisive factor. Iisalo stressed the need for improvement, particularly with back-to-back games looming.

“The goal of the game is to win, obviously,” said Iisalo. “So we can’t be happy with our performances — but it was encouraging to me after that lackluster start, we did a lot of things a lot better in the second half.” 

Iisalo continued: “We had better on-ball pressure — we did better in our pick and roll defense. We did not allow the opposition to get easy offensive rebounds. We applied friction, as we like to say, in the full court, to wear down their best players, and not just allow them to jog into their spots and get the exact shots.” 

Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies, scoring 29 points to go along with six assists, four rebounds, and two steals.

Jaren Jackson Jr. shook off early foul trouble to deliver a strong performance, scoring 24 points on an efficient 8-of-13 shooting.

Following a six-game absence, Ja Morant returned to the lineup and nearly recorded a triple-double, posting 22 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds.

“Anything we want — we just got to lock back in,” Morant said when asked about what the team can still accomplish this year. “It’s not like we are eliminated from the playoffs,” Morant added. 

Morant emphasized the need for focus, communication, and teamwork to improve performance. He highlighted the importance of reading the game, making smart decisions, and playing with effort, while also stressing the need to correct simple mistakes and communicate effectively with teammates.

Zach Edey made a notable impact in his return to the starting lineup, contributing 14 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and swatting three blocks in 26 minutes of play.

Off the bench, Scotty Pippen Jr. provided a spark, scoring 16 points and dishing out five assists.

The Grizzlies continue a three-game homestand, hosting the Boston Celtics at FedExForum on Monday, March 31, at 6:30 p.m., with the game set to air on TNT.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Leave Jazz Singing the Blues

Scotty Pippen Jr. dribbles the ball in a game against the Utah Jazz on March 26, 2025. (Photo by: Jamie Sabau/NBAE via Getty Images)

 The Memphis Grizzlies ended a three-game skid by routing the Utah Jazz 140-103, Tuesday night, capping off a 4-0 season series sweep.

Despite yet another sluggish start and trailing by as many as 14 points in the first half, the Grizzlies narrowed the deficit to 65-64 by halftime.

With a 41-17 third-quarter surge, Memphis took command of the game and improved to 44-28 for the season. The team now holds a slim half-game lead over the Lakers for the fourth seed in the Western Conference.

The Grizzlies recorded 38 assists, outscored Utah 27-8 in points off turnovers, and dominated the boards 52-28, including a 17-4 advantage on the offensive glass. Additionally, Memphis had a 25-0 edge in second-chance points and outscored Utah 76-38 in the second half.

After the game, Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins acknowledged Jazz’s strong start, noting that Memphis lacked physicality and resistance in the first quarter and early second quarter, allowing Utah to get easy shots. However, he expressed relief that the Grizzlies were able to “weather the storm.”

Jenkins added: “We were getting what we needed on the offensive side, even though we were missing a couple shots there. But we made a great run at the end of the second quarter, and then just our resistance and physicality on the defensive side in the third quarter was so much better.”

“That allowed us to get out — our fast break numbers were better,” Jenkins continued. “We ended up with 38 assists. We were just playing with a different level of energy, because our defense sparked us.”

Desmond Bane led Memphis in scoring with 21 points, adding six assists and four rebounds in 29 minutes of action.

Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 19 points on 8-of-12 shooting, while also grabbing three rebounds and blocking two shots, before exiting with an injury in the third quarter. He rejoined the team on the bench in the fourth quarter.

In a notable defensive stretch, the Grizzlies held the Jazz to just a single field goal for over seven minutes following Jackson Jr.’s exit from the game.

Scotty Pippen Jr. delivered a strong all-around effort, tallying 16 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds. Rookie Jaylen Wells had a solid performance, scoring 10 points, grabbing six rebounds, and dishing out five assists.

The Grizzlies’ bench dominated their Jazz counterparts, outscoring them 65-39 while also controlling the glass with 29 rebounds and distributing 13 assists.

Zach Edey, Vince Williams Jr., and Jay Huff formed a potent bench trio, as all three players scored 15 points each.

The Grizzlies will conclude their five-game road trip on Thursday against the league-leading Oklahoma City Thunder, who boast an impressive 60-12 record. OKC currently holds a 3-0 advantage in the season series against Memphis.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

The Grindfather’s Legacy Personified

Tony Allen and Zach Randolph prior to the Grizzlies vs. Miami Heat Game on Saturday, March 15, 2025. (Photo by: Sharon Brown)

When Future’s “Go Harder” erupted inside FedExForum midway through the first quarter on Saturday night, it served as a telltale sign that Tony Allen was somewhere in sight. 

As the camera panned to Allen in a suite with his family, the crowd erupted when he raised one finger in a symbolic nod to his “First Team,” mantra. 

The saying goes, “If you love Memphis, Memphis will love you back.” Allen, fondly known as “The Grindfather,” exemplifies that notion. After the 125-91 win over the Miami Heat, the Memphis Grizzlies honored their adopted son, retiring his iconic number 9 jersey to the FedExForum rafters, forever cementing his legacy in the city he loves.

Widely respected for his fierce and unrelenting defensive style, Allen is regarded as one of the premier defenders of his era in the NBA. After being drafted out of Oklahoma State by the Boston Celtics, Allen won an NBA championship before joining the Grizzlies as a free agent in 2010. His legacy, largely defined by his defensive prowess, earned him six All-Defensive team selections during his time with the Grizzlies.

While some may have raised eyebrows over the decision to retire Allen’s jersey, citing the lack of a championship or gaudy offensive statistics, his indelible mark on the team’s culture and tenacious approach to the game cannot be overstated. His influence extended far beyond the box score, significantly impacting the team’s winning ways both on and off the court.

Kendrick Lamar’s profound words echo the truth: “You can’t fake influence.” The phrase succinctly captures the genuine and lasting imprint Tony Allen has left on the Grizzlies franchise and the city itself.

During the ceremony, former Grizzlies and Chicago native Derrick Rose, Paul Pierce, Allen’s mentor and former Boston Celtics teammate, Zach Randolph, and Marc Gasol spoke affectionately about Allen, bringing him to tears. 

Also in attendance were former Coach Lionel Hollins, Rudy Gay, former GM Chris Wallace, Vince Carter, Beno Udrih, Quincy Pondexter, and Glynn Cyprien. 

An emotional Allen thanked his family, former coaches, teammates, and the passionate Grizz Nation for the honor they bestowed upon him. He was his authentic self throughout his speech. 

In one memorable moment Allen said of his time with Memphis, “We weren’t no glitz and glamour-y team.” You come in here, we might slap the shit out of you. See what I’m saying? That’s how we rocked.”

With self-deprecating humor, Allen poked fun at his own limited offensive skills, recalling how he was often instructed to simply stand in the corner and stay out of the way when the Grizzlies were on offense.

To conclude his more than 20 minute speech Allen said, “I thank y’all— that’s my speech. I’m ready to see that thang in the rafters.” 

As the jersey ascended, the energetic beats of Young Jeezy’s “Put On” blasted, and Allen celebrated the moment by dancing with his wife and children.

Reaction from Fans

“My favorite player will forever be Tony Allen,” said longtime fan Katee Forbis. “He’s been a great example to this city that our mistakes don’t have to define us and that being underestimated can be reframed into motivation for our success. Tony has meant the world to me — and as his self-proclaimed number one fan, he was always gracious and kind to me. There will never be another player exactly like Tony Allen. His passion and heart for the game are unmatched and that’s why Memphis will always love him.”

Memphis native and devoted Grizzlies fan, Tee Crawford, an Army veteran, has been cheering on the team since its arrival in the city. He wholeheartedly believes that Tony Allen’s jersey retirement is a well-deserved honor.

Crawford credits Zach Randolph and  Allen for elevating the team and city. He praised Allen’s toughness and defensive skills, which helped Mike Conley and Marc Gasol improve their defense, nearly leading to an NBA Finals appearance. Crawford also considers Allen essential to the team’s success during the Grit and Grind era.

“I really enjoyed the Tony Allen: The Grindfather documentary on YouTube,” said Crawford. It was inspirational to see all the issues that he encountered and overcame to make his dream of playing in the NBA come true. I love the fact he gives back to communities like the one he grew up in and also the fact that he loves Memphis and is an ambassador for the city.”

For Grizzlies season ticket holder Elizabeth Smith, Tony Allen played a crucial role in shaping the identity of Grizzlies basketball. She noted that before his arrival, the team was struggling to find its footing, and fans like herself were only casually invested in the team.

Smith recalled, “TA was an integral part of changing that when he laced up for the Grizz. He didn’t care about stats, highlights, or flashy plays — he cared about one thing: locking up the other team’s best player and making their night miserable. The moment he said ‘All Heart. Grit. Grind.’ in that postgame interview, he wasn’t just talking — he was setting the standard. That wasn’t just a catchphrase; it was the identity of our city, team, and fans who packed the Grindhouse. ‘First Team All-Defense’ wasn’t just a phrase he shouted on the court; it became a movement.”

Smith added: “That’s why we love him. He wasn’t just a player — he is one of us. He played with the same toughness, grit, and passion the city and Grizzlies fans take pride in. He never tried to be something he wasn’t. He just worked, and in doing that, he helped give Grizzlies fans like me something to believe in. The Grindfather helped make Memphis Grizzlies basketball matter. He made teams fear coming here. He made defense cool. He will always be First Team All-Defense in our hearts. Thanks, TA for helping Grizz fans believe we could rise to new heights – #GNG.” 

With tears, Malenda Meacham, aka Bongo Lady, recounted an emotional evening celebrating Allen’s jersey retirement. She praised Allen for embracing Memphis’ values of heart, grit, and grind, and feels the honor was long overdue. Meacham expressed her admiration for Allen’s lifelong dedication and proudly declared herself a loyal fan, or “ride or die,” since his arrival in Memphis.

“He means everything to this city and he deserves his flowers,” said Meacham. “I truly believe it was an honor of my lifetime to witness Tony Allen playing for the Memphis Grizzlies and then watching his jersey be retired. I have all the feels. Thank you, Tony Allen! Love, Bongo Lady and the entire city of Memphis.”

Corby Stokes, Sr., program coordinator of Heal901, a Memphis non-profit, praised Allen for his gritty and tenacious playing style, which resonated with the city of Memphis. Although he wasn’t a superstar, his heart and determination made him a beloved role player, embodying the city’s spirit of resilience and perseverance.

Stokes told the Flyer: “People can say a lot of bad things about this city, but some great people come here because of the struggles and things that they grew up with. And Tony (Allen) is another one of those people who’s cut from that same cloth, growing up in inner-city Chicago, which I’m sure relates a lot to Memphis. It relates a lot to Chicago, in which there are some of the social determinants of violence that’s going on. And he is taking the time and investing in our community, investing in our youth, and seeing what’s wrong and trying to be a part of the change.” 

Stokes went on:  “It just means so much to us that TA is working with us, because we look at all the youth in our city as our babies, not just our own individual children by blood, but the youth in general. And so when those who have come to our city and now call our city home, see that, and they put their hands to the plow and work along with us to try to correct those wrongs in this city is exciting and I am honored to be a part of it.”

Recently, Allen helped bring One City Basketball, a Chicago-based initiative founded by former Grizzlies player Joakim Noah to Memphis, partnering with organizations like Heal 901, Noah’s Arc Foundation, Memphis Allies, Cities United and Cure Violence.

Allen is just the third Grizzlies player to receive the honor of having his jersey retired, joining  Randolph and Gasol. 

“I want to share this with everybody,” Allen said. “I want this to not just be about me, but I want all of us to embrace this because I just think this is a dream come true.”

Allen and Memphis are a perfect union, and Saturday night’s celebration was a testament to the deep affection between the city and its adopted son. The evening was filled with a palpable sense of love and mutual admiration, as Memphis reciprocated Allen’s enduring devotion. All Heart, Grit and Grind, forever. 

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Blaze Past Heat

Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane shaking hands during the game against the Miami Heat on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at FedExForum (Photo by: Grant Burke/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies handed the Miami Heat their seventh consecutive loss, cruising to a 125-91 victory Saturday at FedExForum.

Rebounding from a disappointing loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, the Grizzlies surged ahead with a 21-9 second-quarter run, establishing a 63-48 halftime lead. Their momentum continued into the fourth quarter, where they expanded their advantage to as many as 32 points with 10:51 remaining.

Memphis shot an impressive 55% from the field and dominated the paint, scoring a season-high-allowed 72 points against the Heat. This marked the most points in the paint conceded by the Heat since 2008, when they allowed 76. 

The Grizzlies moved to 24-10 when recording 60+ paint points.

Following the convincing win, Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins expressed pride in his team’s well-rounded performance.

He said, “I told the guys afterwards, this is the urgency we have to play with on both sides of the floor, not just defensively. I thought we executed our game plan for the most part, really, really well. Guys were active, they were disciplined. And then I thought our quick decision making was there on the offensive side, we played with a little bit of pace, ball movement, and multiple guys with multiple assists. Definitely an impressive win.”

Jenkins added, “The bench guys coming in, Scotty (Pippen Jr.giving us a boost — Lamar (Stevens) gave us a boost. BC, (Brandon Clarke) Cam (Spencer) those guys did a phenomenal job.” 

“Obviously, Des (Desmond Bane) was high level, almost a triple double,” Jenkins continued. “I thought he set a tone, with his defensive rebounding, defensive activity. And obviously it’s unselfish play-making on top of his scoring. So definitely the version that we’re going to need more consistently. And the challenge is can we take it on the road for the longest road trip of the season.”

The Grizzlies were without Ja Morant due to shoulder soreness on a second night of a back-to-back. 

Following the Grizzlies’ loss to Cleveland on Friday, Jaren Jackson Jr., who is working his way back from an ankle injury indicated that it would likely take a few games for him to get back to form. 

Just one day later, Jackson Jr. turned in a resounding performance, leading the Grizzlies with 31 points on an impressive 72.2% shooting (13-of-18), to go along with six rebounds and two blocked shots.

Bane stated that Jackson Jr.’s strong work ethic allows him to bounce back so quickly.

After a disappointing showing against the Cavaliers, Bane delivered a standout effort, falling just shy of a triple-double with 22 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, and two steals, while connecting on 4-of-5 three-point attempts.

Bane downplayed his poor outing on Friday, saying “it’s basketball” expressing confidence in his work and that he made no adjustments. 

Up Next

Memphis is set to begin a five-game road swing, visiting Sacramento, Portland, the LA Clippers, Utah, and Oklahoma City from March 17 to 27.

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Uncategorized

Grizzlies Win Fourth Straight Game

Luke Kennard handing the ball against the Utah Jazz on March 12, 2025 at FedExForum (Photo by: Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies invoked the “Call 12” mantra (Ja Morant) while joining forces with Memphis-10 (Luke Kennard to seal a thrilling 122-115 victory over the Utah Jazz Wednesday night, stretching their winning streak to four games.

At the half, Memphis was up by 14 points but Utah came storming back to make it a contest in the second half. 

Collin Sexton converted on a jumper to put the Jazz ahead 115-114 with 1:16 remaining, but the Grizzlies swiftly regained the lead as Luke Kennard drained a crucial three-pointer. Morant then delivered the finishing blow, knocking down another three to extend the Grizzlies’ advantage to 120-115 with only 12 seconds left.

Memphis converted 20-of-44 from beyond the arc (.455), including 7-of-10 in the fourth quarter. 

Kennard led the Grizzlies with career-high tying 30 points on 11 of 14 from the field including 7 of 9 from three. After the game, he talked about the importance of being aggressive — more active on both ends of the court, focusing on rebounding, creating deflections, and finding his rhythm early in the game.

Morant’s 28-point, seven-assist performance helped Memphis improve its season record to 42-24.

The All-Star guard acknowledged that the game against the Jazz wasn’t easy, despite their record. He emphasized that every NBA player deserves respect, and that the Jazz players came to play hard. Morant noted that his team had to lock in and stay focused after the Jazz cut into their lead, before ultimately securing the win.

Desmond Bane provided a strong all-around effort with 17 points, nine assists, and five rebounds, while Scotty Pippen Jr. delivered a boost off the bench, contributing 11 points, six assists, and a team-high four steals.

Roster News

The Grizzlies announced that forward Lamar Stevens was signed for the remainder of the season. The 27-year-old has been helping off the bench and scored a season-high 13 points, including a career-high four 3-pointers, in a win on March 10 vs Phoenix. 

Up Next 

The Grizzlies face a formidable challenge as they host the league-leading Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, March 15, with tip-off scheduled for 7 pm at FedExForum. Cleveland currently is on a 15-game winning streak. 

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Morant, Bane Propel Grizzlies to Win Over Pelicans

Ja Morant goes up for a shot during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 9, 2025. (Photo by: Layne Murdock Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies edged out the undermanned New Orleans Pelicans 107-104 in a closely contested matchup Sunday night.

The Grizzlies are gaining momentum, having won two consecutive games after a dismal 1-4 performance on their recent 5-game homestand. The slump caused them to drop from second to fourth seed in the Western Conference.

Memphis dominated on the glass against New Orleans, grabbing 57 rebounds and scoring 24 second-chance points versus New Orleans’ 39 rebounds and 11 second-chance points.

The Grizzlies faced a 65-57 halftime deficit after surrendering 37 points in the second quarter. However, they regrouped and limited the Pelicans to just 15 points in the third quarter, seizing an 89-79 advantage heading into the final period.

Ja Morant had a standout performance, leading Memphis with 32 points to go along with six assists, four rebounds, and three steals. Morant has now scored 30-plus points in his last two games. His season average is 21.2 points per game.

In a post-game interview with FanDuel Sports Network’s Rob Fischer, Ja Morant noted that despite the win, there are still areas where his team needs to improve.

 “Just came out with more energy,” Morant said of the third quarter difference. “We just once again man — our first half, we just be giving up easy baskets, not really engaged, locked in defensively, and then it takes a little wake up call, which is unacceptable for us. We got to be locked in as soon as the ball goes up in the air and so we won’t be in situations like this.”

Morant also acknowledged a slight improvement in the team’s defense, but emphasized that there is still significant room for growth and that they cannot be satisfied with their defensive performance over the last two games.

Desmond Bane put on a show, falling just shy of a triple-double with 30 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, and two steals, as Memphis improved  to 40-24 on the season. 

Morant sang the praises of his backcourt partner, Bane.

“Very impressive — but I know the work he put in. I know the situations and the talks we have with each other. He’s built for it. And he’s showing it, night in and night out, as you saw tonight. 

Morant continued, “He filled up the stat sheet. I think it was a couple off, triple-double again and that’s big-time play for us, a will to win. We have a guy like that.part of leading the charge and everybody else follows. So we just got to continue to keep grinding, keep going, keep getting better and just play hard.”

Off the bench Scotty Pippen Jr. added 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. 

The Grizzlies will host the Phoenix Suns Monday night at FedExForum, kicking off a four-game homestand. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CT.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Ja Morant Has to Be Unapologetically Ja

Ja Morant drives the ball past Jordan Clarkson. Credit: Rob Gray/AP Photo

The Memphis Grizzlies are on a four-game losing streak after falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder 120-103 on Wednesday night. This loss comes after a tough home stand, where they went 1-4.

The Grizzlies have lost seven of their last nine games, dropping them to fourth place in the Western Conference with a 38-24 record.

Ja Morant candidly expressed his frustration with his performance in his return game against the Thunder, conceding that he probably shouldn’t have played due to health concerns. However, he also seemed resigned to the fact that his injuries have been an ongoing issue all season, and his focus remains on securing wins despite these challenges. Morant’s lack of availability has been a persistent concern, and his inability to play more than five consecutive games remains an issue.

Every statement made by the 25-year-old will be subject to intense examination and analysis. 

However, the message conveyed in response to adversity is crucial.

“Just stay strong, stay with it,” Morant said in the locker room after the loss against OKC. “It’s a long season — we’ve got a couple more games left. Just lock in. Get guys back healthy and go back to playing our basketball.”

He went on to say, “We’ve been through the whole season together. Ups and downs, hard practices, traveling on the road, fatigue. But, we always seem to respond. So it’s no different from here.”

His parting message amidst the team’s current challenges, “Just continue to play with that energy and effort and continue to have your brothers’ back and trust in each other. That’s pretty much it.”

A pivotal moment from the iconic movie Remember the Titans features a tense confrontation between team captain Gerry Bertier and Julius Campbell, both standout players. Gerry criticizes Julius for having the worst attitude he’s ever encountered. Julius retaliates with a sharp and piercing remark, “Attitude reflects leadership, captain,” implying that Gerry’s lack of accountability as a leader was the root cause of the team’s problems.

Memphis will be without Jaren Jackson Jr. due to a Grade 2 ankle sprain that could have him out weeks. But the odds are in the Grizzlies’ favor with a focused Morant. 

Through 38 appearances, Morant is averaging 20.9 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game. 

Make no mistake about it, Morant is still viewed as one of the NBA’s elite players, showcasing extraordinary skill and ability.

His presence on the court greatly improves the team’s performance, making them a more formidable team when he plays.

At this stage in the season, he just has to remind us who he is. Recently, Morant said his coach and teammates remind them to have positive body language, even when things are tough, which can be hard for a competitor like him.

After the overtime against the Phoenix on February 23rd, Morant disclosed that Desmond Bane’s vocal encouragement reminded him that his performance is the catalyst for the team’s energy and momentum, and urged him to simply be himself and play his natural game.

With 20 games remaining in the regular season, the Grizzlies face a critical stretch that will determine their playoff fate. To achieve a deep postseason run, as many fans relish, that leadership starts with Ja Morant. So the team needs Ja to be Ja.