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 Three-Game Win Streak Ends

Vince Williams Jr. goes to the basket during a game against the Indiana Pacers on January 28, 2024. (Photo by: Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Grizzlies lost a close game in Indiana due to mental mistakes, a breakdown in the third quarter, and squandered opportunities. The Pacers defeated Memphis 116-110 to snap their three-game winning streak. 

Indiana capitalized with 24 points off the Grizzlies’ 13 turnovers and grabbed 11 offensive rebounds that resulted in 15 second-chance points.

Jaren Jaren, Jr. led Memphis with 25 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals. He also tied a career-high with 11 made free throws.

In January, Jackson Jr. averaged 24.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists as the Grizzlies went 8-6 in the month.

Vince Williams Jr. continues to impress, game by game. He finished with 20 points while shooting 8-of-12 from the field, and had eight rebounds.

“They had a lot more offensive rebounds than us, and that led them to easy baskets at the rim,” Williams Jr. said on how the Pacers closed out the game. “Honestly, the bigs got nice rebounds and put it right back up on us, and that kind of hurt us at the end of the day.”

Despite missing key players, the 23-year-old believes the team is up for the challenge of competing against anyone. “We all come in together; we work hard together; so honestly, team chemistry is still there all the way. We just came up short tonight, and really it was just offensive rebounds that hurt us.”

Williams Jr. took responsibility for his blunders down the stretch, which Indiana took advantage of to pull out the win. 

“My two missed layups, and I missed my free throws,” said the VCU alum on the differences in the last three minutes. “But they just out-hustled us, which led to some easy buckets in the fourth too, and they got some wide-open threes, and we had to play catch-up.”

“Not really, because we were still in the game at the end,” said Williams Jr. when asked if the Pacers wore them down due to key players being out with injuries. “We come out and play hard each and every day, and we just try to put ourselves in the best position to win.”

When GG Jackson II is given extended minutes, he takes full advantage. In 28 minutes off the bench, the rookie finished with 18 points and four rebounds on 6-of-9 shooting. 

“I feel like it just shows the depth that this team has,” said Jackson II of the tenacity of the team. And fully healthy, I feel like we can be a serious contender going deep in the playoffs and even contenders for a title.”

“The first half, we tried to keep it tight and were really keen on personnel,” explained Jackson II on what went right for the Grizzlies in the first half. “The ball was popping a lot,  multiple guys were scoring, and Jaren (Jackson, Jr.) was getting his sweet spots again with the left-hand hook. 

The 19-year-old continued, “I feel like overall we were playing really good basketball, and then later in the second half (there were) costly turnovers and lackadaisical effort sometimes. You gotta have 110% effort the whole 48 minutes if you want to win a basketball game.”

“A lot of missed opportunities at the rim obviously. I felt like at times the ball kind of got stagnant … and then [on the] defensive end guys were just scrambling around a lot and a couple of their guys hit threes. We really did not want to live with it. But the situation from scrambling left them open. So it’s just little things like that, that if we pick up on those and fix those, I feel like we’ll be good.”

No rest for the weary. The Grizzlies look to start a new winning streak tonight at FedExForum against the Sacramento Kings at 7 p.m. CT. 

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Win Third in a Row

Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half against Orlando Magic at FedEx Forum on January 26, 2024, in Memphis Tennessee. (Wes Hale Photo)

On the court at FedExForum, the Memphis Grizzlies haven’t had much luck this season, with a disappointing 4–15 home record going into Friday night. Nevertheless, they defeated the Orlando Magic in a nail-biter, 107-106, to win their second consecutive home game. It marked Memphis’ fifth straight win against the Magic.

Memphis has now won three games in a row and recorded at least 30 assists in each victory. 

“Moving forward, continue to make that a priority — it’s as simple as that,” said Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins on how the team’s assists correlate to a winning formula. “We know that’s got to be a big part of our identity. We’ve had to work all season to catch this wave of a couple of games in a row. Keep prioritizing the spacing.” 

Jenkins went on to say, “I talked about the willingness to see it on film, see it in the practices, see it within the game — that’s what our guys have to continue to focus on.”

“In terms of a correlation, we know what our identity is,” Jenkins explained. “It’s our defensive activity that generates that excitement and momentum. We know when we play like that, you’re getting the production as well. When you’re setting your teammates up, that’s the excitement that we’re used to playing with. Encouraged by the play the last couple of games, and these guys know I’m not going to stop hitting them over the head with it.”

Despite starting 11 different lineups in January, the Grizzlies managed an 8-5 record for the month.

Leading the way for the Grizzlies Friday night was Jaren Jackson Jr., who scored 30 points, snatched 8 boards, and dished out 2 assists. It was Jackson Jr.’s eighth 30-point performance this season.

Jackson Jr. bullied the Magic bigs under the hoop and scored around the rim with consistency. He tied a season-high with 24 points in the paint for the Grizzlies, who finished with 50 paint points.

Jackson Jr. is the lone regular part of the Grizzlies core who is not sidelined for Memphis. His improved play has been another bright spot of this tumultuous season. 

“Yeah, for sure — very well said,” was Jackson Jr.’s response to a question about whether playing without Ja Morant and Desmond Bane is helping him grow. “Try (to) go out there every day and work on my game. Work on what I work on, doubles, shifts, and more attention. It is all going to be good because you don’t always get opportunities like that. So, you got to make the most of it and really grow when your name is called in situations like that.”

For Jackson Jr., it’s a good feeling to win in front of the home crowd. “It’s always good to win here,” he said. “I know we’ve had a better record on the road. So, every time we come back here, and we can get it done, all these games are going to mean something at this point.”

“We’re trying to crawl back,” Jackson Jr. continued. “We’re trying to make this push right here, which we are going to get that done. But it’s going to take a lot of fights. So, every game is going to be played like a playoff game.”

Off the bench, Ziaire Williams added 17 points (7-10 FG, 3-6 3P), four rebounds, and five assists. Williams has been struggling mightily as of late and has received plenty of criticism about his performances. 

After the game, Williams responded to the criticism, “I’ve just been taking it one day at a time, taking the good with the bad and the bad with the good — staying true to myself and putting the work in. I’m glad it paid off today. I just have to keep it up and believe in my ability.”

Luke Kennard added 15 points (5-11 FG), connected on five 3-pointers, and dished out six assists. In his last four games, Kennard has made 19 3-pointers.

Up Next

The Grizzlies travel to Indiana to take on the Pacers, Sunday, January 28 at 2:30 p.m. CT.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Short-handed Grizzlies Beat the Heat

Vince Williams Jr. with the ball against the Miami Heat on Wednesday, January 24, 2024. (Photo credit: Isaac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)

When there’s a starting lineup that features Jacob Gilyard, John Konchar, Vince Williams Jr., David Roddy, and Jaren Jackson Jr., it might be a tad bit perplexing. But that’s where Memphis is with so many players down due to injuries — a list that now includes Luke Kennard and Santi Aldama.

The Grizzlies had a total of nine players out for last night’s game in Miami against the Heat, but despite the daunting odds, Memphis won, 105-96, in a back-to-back road victory, improving to 13-12 on the road for the season. The team went 2-2 on the 4-game road trip.

The Grizzlies’ defense held Miami to 40.2% shooting and forced 17 turnovers leading to 24 points. It marks the fourth time this season Memphis has held opponents to less than 100 points. 

After falling behind 82-68 to start the fourth quarter, Miami rallied for a 12-4 run, bringing the Grizzlies’ lead down to 90-85 with six minutes remaining.

After the Heat cut the lead to two points with little more than a minute remaining in the game, Memphis went on a 7-0 run to seal the deal. 

“Just be authentic to who you are, understand the reality, and every single day, I think our group’s maintained a great spirit,” Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins said after the win. “I think our staff, coaching staff, medical team — everyone’s dealing with a lot right now, trying to navigate the injuries and guys being in and out.”

Williams Jr. led the Grizzlies with a career-high 25 points off of 8 for 10 shooting, while converting on 5-of-6 from beyond the arc. He added five rebounds and four assists. 

The 23-year-old continues to be a bright spot for the Grizzlies in his breakout second season. He has definitely solidified his presence as an important part of the team going forward due to his defensive prowess and offensive contributions. 

After the game he earned the walk-off interview: 

In the last six games, Williams Jr. has averaged 18 points while shooting 54.8 percent from the field and 47.1 percent from the three-point line, along with 7.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists.

Rookie GG Jackson II chipped in 17 points and four rebounds off the bench and newcomer Scotty Pippen Jr. added a career-high 15 points, six rebounds, and six assists. 

Jaren Jackson Jr. had an off shooting night with 15 points, six rebounds, and four assists while John Konchar secured a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. 

Up Next

The Grizzlies return home to host the Orlando Magic on Friday, January 26, at FedExForum at 7 p.m. CT. 

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From My Seat Sports

Grizzlies Defeat Raptors

Jaren Jackson Jr. goes up for a bucket against the Toronto Raptors on January 22, 2024. (Photo by: Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images)

On Monday night in Toronto, the Memphis Grizzlies secured their first wire-to-wire victory of the season by beating the Toronto Raptors 108-100. Memphis improved to 12-12 on the road while just being 4-15 at home on the season.

Memphis seems as if it has been cursed for most of the season with multiple key players dealing with injuries. In their abscence, Jaren Jackson Jr., the longest-tenured player on the roster, continues to dominate opponents and is at times unguardable. He was in his bag against the Raptors and finished with 27 points on 12-for-22 shooting, six steals (career-high), five assists, and four rebounds in 32 minutes.

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year now has 5+ assists in back-to-back games for the first time in his career.

Luke Kennard added a season-high 19 points and dished out seven assists. Kennard converted on 5-of-13 from the three-point line, and seems to have found his rhythm as of late.

Vince Williams Jr. continued to be dominant on both ends of the floor, adding 18 points and 10 rebounds (7-of-11 FG) for the first double-double of his career.

Jon Konchar scored six points, and had five rebounds, five blocks (career-high), and four assists.

Tid-bits

Every player that entered the game for Memphis recorded an assist.

Analysis

In my summation, with half the season gone, the Grizzlies have nothing left to play for. The chances to make the play-in tournament are all but over. And the team still might not have a poor enough record to get a lottery pick.

The NBA Trade Deadline is fast approaching: February 8, 2024 (3 p.m. CT). Memphis is linked to a number of players in trade rumors, but it would surprise me if the Grizzlies make a major trade at this point. I do think minor trades will likely happen. Memphis needs to solidify its bench for seasons to come.

With a healthy Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jackson Jr., this team is hard to beat, but with better role players, they would be championship contenders. For the rest of the season, Memphis should just continue to develop the young talent on the roster to have them prepared for next year.

Next Up

The conclusion of the Grizzlies four-game road trip is Wednesday night in Miami against the Heat. Tip-off: 6:30 p.m. CT

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Out ‘Hustle’ Warriors

GG Jackson II after the win against the Golden State Warriors on January 15, 2023. (Photo credit: @memgrizz)

Unlikely heroes emerged in FedExForum on a snowy and bitterly cold evening in Memphis. Vince Williams Jr. led the short-handed Grizzlies with a career-high 24 points on 6-of-11 shooting, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals as Memphis beat the Golden State Warriors, 116-107.

Williams Jr. has been a force to be reckoned with as of late. “Just me being more confident and coach believing in me a little bit more,” said the VCU alum on his improved play. “Some of the guys are out. So, obviously I had to step up and really just take advantage of my opportunity at the end of the day. Even GG [Jackson] is doing very well right now. Just staying ahead of the game and not really looking back.”

The 23-year-old defensive specialist is taking advantage of his opportunity to be on the court consistently. He said, “It means a lot. Being able to go out there and make mistakes and knowing that we’re going to learn from them while in the game – not having to look over our shoulders at the moment.”

In Monday night’s nationally televised MLK game, GG Jackson II also delivered a breakout performance with a career-best 23 points going 5-of-8 from the three-point line, six rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.

“I guess I prayed a little bit more today,” said Jackson II on the difference in the last two games. “I watched some nice game film, studied where I was supposed to be on the floor, and I just got to capitalize on opportunities when the ball comes my way.”

“Just like Vince said, with multiple guys being out, I’ve had to step up as well,” Jackson II said about showcasing his offensive abilities. “And when you step up and play the amount of minutes that me and him both played, the ball is naturally going to find you on the court. But you know, you just got to remember those reps. Your body has to create a carbon copy every time you shoot the ball and every time you dribble. Just trying to lean on the things that you learned. We’ve just got to keep stacking up days like this. … We all dial in, listen to coach, listen to what he has to say — more opportunities open up.”

The two-piece combo did it on both ends of the floor. At 19, Jackson II became the only third player behind Lebron James and Kevin Durant in NBA history to have had back to back 20-point performances at his age or younger. And his response was: “Stay humble. Don’t get too caught up in that. … It’s obviously a great sentiment to be a part of. But these guys already made it and for me, I feel like their game was way more advanced at this age. I’m just lucky enough to have this opportunity to get out there and play.”

Along with Williams Jr. and Jackson II, Memphis had seven players in double figures. Jaren Jackson Jr. added 18 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals.

David Roddy 12 points and seven rebounds and two-way player Jacob Gilyard chipped in 11 points, eight of which came in the final period, three assists, and 2 steals.

Santi Aldama 11 points, six rebounds, and three blocks and Luke Kennard ended with 11 points, with eight in the fourth quarter, and 5 assists.

Tid-bits

Players with experience with the Memphis Hustle of the NBA G League scored 87 of the Grizzlies’ 116 points.

Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins said after the game, “Big time win— and I’ve definitely got to shout-out a big win for the [Memphis] Hustle as well. I mean, this is a product of full-on development. So proud of our group.”

He added, “Vince Williams … unbelievable job defensively, playing with aggression on both sides of the floor, trying to make it tough on [Stephen] Curry as much as possible. Big growth for him.”

Jenkins continued, “GG Jackson, back-to-back games (with) multiple rebounds, but just the shot-making. Right spot on the floor for his teammates to find him, shooting with tons of confidence, offensive rebounding. [Jacob Gilyard] coming in. I thought he was great in the second half, not just knocking down shots, but you saw a number of steals and just his playmaking and setting up guys in transition coming off screens and connecting the dots for us.”

“This was a huge win for us overall. So, tons of credit to these guys,” said Jenkins. “I think GG [Jackson] may have shouted out the Hustle staff, I’ve got to shout them out as well. They’ve been pouring into these guys every opportunity they’ve gotten, to stay ready, and these guys have got to continue to take advantage of the opportunities with the Grizzlies when they’ve got them.”

Yes, a big night for the Memphis Hustle!!

The Grizzlies finished with 20 three-point baskets while the Warriors had just 10. Meanwhile, the Warriors outscored the Grizzlies 62-20 in the paint. Usually Golden State shots more threes and Memphis’ bread and butter is in the paint.

Strictly from the Fans

Tredarion Hampton: “This victory feels incredibly rewarding. Despite the adversity we faced with multiple injuries, Vince Williams Jr. and GG Jackson stepped up phenomenally, showcasing the depth and resilience of our team. It’s a testament to our collective effort and determination.”

Janice Frazier-Scott: “It’s good to see our G League players gain confidence playing and winning against the Warriors. We’ve got some future stars coming up!”

Up Next

The Grizzlies will embark on a four-game road trip beginning Thursday night in Minneapolis to take on the Timberwolves. Tip-off is at 9 pm CT on TNT.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Fall to Clippers, 128-119

Jaren Jackson Jr. drives in the lane against Kawhi Leonard on Friday, January 12, 2024. (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

An bad omen appears to be hanging over the Memphis Grizzlies this season. Just days after Ja Morant’s season-ending arm injury, Marcus Smart suffered a hand injury that will keep him out for six weeks. The team was already without Steven Adams, who was lost for the season due to right knee surgery, and Brandon Clarke, who is recovering from an Achilles tendon repair.

How could things get worse? Here’s how: On Friday night, in the first game of a three-game homestand against the Los Angeles Clippers, star forward Desmond Bane went down with a left ankle sprain. The severity of the injury is not yet known. The Clippers went on to win, 128-119. Fans are now calling this the “Season from hell,” and it appears they are correct.

Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins had an interesting way of describing the gut-wrenching injuries. “It’s unique,” he said. “But we have to look past that. Our guys have been unbelievable through all of this. I always talk about the spirit and how they just continue to fight.”

“Our circumstances are pretty heavy right now for sure,” Jenkins added. “But the attitude has been phenomenal. We’re going to go out there. We’re going to lay it on the line every single day.”

Jenkins concluded: “I love how that group that finished the game came in and took advantage of the opportunity. Obviously, you absolutely wish the circumstances were different, but our guys have been fully together throughout this. They keep fighting. We’re going to need more of that and to keep doubling down on that because that’s how we’re built.”

Depending on what we learn about Bane’s injury, it appears that Jaren Jackson Jr. will be the only regular starter left in the rotation. As the offensive focal point and the player defenses will work hardest to contain, Jackson Jr. will be under intense pressure.

After the game he said, “I gotta be way better, because I was just jacking at this point. I gotta see the open man, I gotta pass the ball, because that’s what’s gonna get everybody going. I think our best run was in the fourth quarter, when I was out of the game. That was just because everybody was feeding off energy. If I’m coming down, bringing it up seeing three and doing what I was doing, we’re not going to win doing that. It’s just up to me to be a little bit better of a decision maker.”

Should Memphis sit Jackson Jr. for the rest of the season to try to prevent injury? There are 44 games left in the Grizzlies regular season. I think the Grizzlies should put a limit on his minutes, if the organization believes the season is essentially over.

Whatever is decided, Memphis has to regroup quickly. The New York Knicks are in town Saturday night on the second night of a back-to-back at FedExForum at 7 pm CT.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Ja Morant to Undergo Season-Ending Surgery

Ja Morant dribbles down the court in the games as the Memphis took on the New Orleans Pelicans on December 26, 2023 at Smoothie King Center (Photo by Derick Hingle/NBAE via Getty Images)

Superstar point guard Ja Morant will have season-ending surgery, according to a Memphis Grizzlies’ announcement on Monday night.

“At Saturday’s training session, Morant suffered a subluxation of his right shoulder. Following ongoing soreness and instability, Morant underwent an MRI that revealed an underlying labral tear,” the team release stated.

The 24-year-old will undergo surgery and is expected to make a full recovery in time for the 2024-25 season. It’s yet another tough blow for the Grizzlies as the organization has been plagued with injuries this season. 

Morant appeared in only nine games this season after serving a 25-game league suspension. He made his season debut on December 19th, 2023, against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Memphis went 6-3 in the games Morant played. He averaged 25.1 points, 8.1 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game.

The star guard wore a sling as he sat on the bench during Memphis’ win over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday.

After the announcement was made, Morant sent a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

Without their superstar, the Grizzlies are 7-20 on the season with 46 more games left to go. The Grizzlies may look to add pieces at the trade deadline next month. 

The Play-In Tournament was already a longshot with Morant at the helm. Only time will tell how the rest of the regular season plays out out with a healthy Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Marcus Smart. 

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Rally in the Valley against the Suns

Jaren Jackson Jr. goes up for a shot during the game against the Phoenix Suns on January 7, 2024. (Photo by: Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies were down 11 points going into the fourth quarter against the Phoenix Suns, 97-86.

Memphis rallied in the final period to outscore the Suns 35-18 to secure the victory, 121-115. The Grizzlies are now 2-0 on the three-game road trip.

Phoenix is ranked 30th in 4th quarter scoring while the Grizzlies are ranked 18th in the association. The 4th quarter has been Memphis’ best period all season long.

According to NBA.com, the Grizzlies have the second best defensive rating in the 4th quarter. They are first in opponent point per game allowed in the final period, second in point differential, and have one of the best net rating in the 4th quarter.

The second quarter has been a problem for the Grizzlies most of the season. However, in two straight games, Memphis has won the second quarter. A thing to look at, and it may be a key to winning more games going forward.

The Grizzlies are now 10-10 on the road and an abysmal 3-13 at home.

Memphis was without Ja Morant, who sat out due to shoulder soreness. Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins said soreness crept up on the road and that further evaluations are needed. He said that they will know more in a day or two.

Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 28 points, ten rebounds, six assists with a team-high +/- 25.

Kevin Durant gave praise to Jackson Jr. after the game: “He can shoot it, he can go left well, he’s got good floaters, strong. Just think he’s extending his game and it’s making it tough for people to guard him out there one-on-one, especially big players. He’s shooting the three well, you got to give him credit for expanding his game.”

“The first half looked pretty good but obviously we let it get away from us a little bit,” said Jackson Jr. “Momentum stayed on point going into the half and again that third quarter, they were just able to get separation. We never really found ourselves in solid footing on the offensive end. We got a lot of great shots, got to those places we wanted to be at, got downhill, we got to the rim, we got really good open shots, we got stops in transitions, but we just couldn’t convert the way we wanted too.”

Marcus Smart finished with 25 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and three steals. “It is the formula [for] winning without him,” Smart said on playing without Morant. “It is the formula for winning with him. Ja is such a great player and he inspires a lot of guys to go out there to play. When he is out, that just means there are opportunities for other guys.”

Smart continued, “Big shoutout to Vince Williams [Jr.]. Big night for him. He has been going under the radar. He has been doing that for this organization, for us, and his teammates for a very long time. We appreciate it. Ziaire Williams coming off of the bench. He has been asked to play different roles and he is just excelling. Being able to just play and not worry about it has really helped us.”

The 10-year guard/forward has improved on three-point shooting after his hand injury.“It is healing,” he said. “I am starting to get into a rhythm. Guys do a good job of finding me and trusting me to take those shots. For me, sometimes I don’t want to take them, but they are screaming at me to do so. I just have to continue to believe in myself and continue to make those shots.”

Desmond Bane added 23 points, five rebounds, and five assists while reserve Williams Jr. finished with a career-high 19 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks.

The Grizzlies look to prolong their win streak against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday, January 9th, inside American Airline Center at 7:30 p.m.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Poor Play Leads to Another Grizzlies Home Loss

Ja Morant goes up for a layup against the Toronto Raptors inside FedExForum on December 3, 2023 (Photo credit: Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

Historically, when an NBA club has played at FedExForum in Memphis, they knew they were in for a fierce battle. That’s no longer the case. Last season, the Grizzlies dominated on the home floor, this season they have struggled mightily.

The squad dropped to 3-13 at home after a fourth quarter rally fell short against the Toronto Raptors, 116-111. Memphis just can’t seem to put together a complete game for 48 minutes.

The second quarter is the biggest culprit. According to NBA.com, Memphis ranks dead last (30th) in the league in scoring during the second period, with 24.7 points, while shooting 41.3 percent from the field.

Something has to change with the rotations in the second period if Memphis wants to start winning consistently after falling to 11-23 on the season.

After the game, Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins took responsibility for the loss. “I’ve got to get this team better prepared,” Jenkins acknowledged. “We were flat tonight — that’s on me.”

Did that really come out of his mouth about getting the team better prepared after a whopping 34 games. In the words of WWE legend Booker T, “Tell me, he didn’t just say that!”

Former Grizzlies assistant and first-year head coach of the Raptors, Darko Rajakovic, certainly had his team prepared to take down his former team.

That’s an indictment of Jenkins’ coaching, if he doesn’t have the team better prepared after nearly half of the season is gone. There have been key injuries, and a 25-game suspension, but that’s the card that has been dealt. Some of the losses have been on Jenkins, even though his players wholeheartedly disagree with that sentiment.

“At the end of the day, he’s not the one out there playing — it’s us,” said Ziaire Williams. We should already be self-motivated, he shouldn’t have to yell at us or scream at us when we’re down by 15 or 10, or playing lazy and lackadaisical on the defensive end, not sharing the ball. That should already be a given.”

He concluded, “We got to find ways to do that for 48 minutes straight. That was cool for coach taking the blame, but, it’s not much he could do about that. It’s on us to come out and do what we need to do. Be professionals, do what we are paid to do.”

Williams had a great game off the bench, with 18 points, putting up 12 in the final period by converting on 5-of-8 from the field.

Desmond Bane who finished with 22 points, eight assists, and four rebounds put the onus on the players to take responsibility and accountability. He said, “As a coach you can only do so much. You don’t put a jersey on, you don’t run up and down the court. It has nothing to do with him honestly. We are all grown men. It’s on us, we have to be better.”

Ja Morant led the team with a near triple double with 28 points, nine assists and eight rebounds. Morant on the team coming out flat: “I don’t want to make excuses. You just got to be better, come out with more energy to be able to get a win on a home floor.”

Jaren Jackson, Jr. had a slow start but ended with 13 of his 24 points in the final period. Jackson Jr. also grabbed four rebounds and blocked four shots.

With the loss, Memphis is now 7-1 when Bane, Jackson Jr., and Morant all score 20 plus points.

Where does Memphis go from here

The blame lies with the players, the coach’s decision-making, and the front office for the roster construction at this point in the season.

The time for excuses is over. There has to be energy and effort from the players in all facets of the game. Jenkins has to make better coaching decisions, and the front office needs to make moves at the deadline in order to right the ship.

Things don’t get easier. The Grizzlies head to California to start a three-game game road trip beginning Friday, January 5, against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena at 9 p.m. CT.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Can the Grizzlies Save the Season?

Marcus Smart goes up for a rebound against the LA Clippers on December 29, 2023 (Photo credit: Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images)

For the Memphis Grizzlies, winning this season hasn’t come easily. The team’s decline can be attributed to a wide range of circumstances. 

Following Ja Morant’s 25-game absence, Memphis went 4-0. However, with their 117-106 home loss to the Clippers, they dropped two consecutive games. 

The Grizzlies are now 10-21 on the season with 51 games left to play. Can the Beale Street Bullies save the season? That question lies within the team. 

Injuries to key players has been one factor that caused the team’s fall from grace. Luke Kennard and Derrick Rose are scheduled to be back in the next few games or so. Maybe it will be a difference maker. 

After the Clippers game, Marcus Smart said the approach moving forward is “one game at a time.”

He went on to say, “Control what you can control. You [are] looking ahead, that’s not going to do anything for you. We don’t have that luxury. We got to look at it like one day at a time and we got to be in the present and that’s the only way we’re going to fix it. At least give ourselves a chance anyway. It’s not going to be perfect but that’s the beauty of this game. Crazy things happen.”

Smart finished the game with 22 points, three steals, and two assists. 

Right now, that’s the one thing the squad has to depend on. Get at it game by game. 

“We’ve been doing that for a long time — building that everyday,” said Jaren Jackson Jr. on the team’s leadership and confidence. “We’ve been playing with each other for a long time. It takes everybody to lead. Everybody has a different role. We are learning more and more every game.”

Jackson Jr. ended with 22 points, four assists, two steals and two blocks. 

With Morant healthy there will always be a chance for the team to win games. 

“Yeah, I mean it’s a different ball game. when I’m out there,” said Morant after the game. “Teams gotta scout different and have defensive schemes when I’m on the floor which allow a lot of pressure to get off the rest of the guys on the team — allow them to be themselves.

“A little more comfort in my job as I go out there and make it easier for them. Find them easier looks, that’s just my role on this team.”

Morant sat out the night earlier against the Nuggets due to an illness and was still not feeling his best against the Clippers. But he still found ways to contribute, recording his second double-double of the season with 19 points and 10 assists in 37 minutes of play.

Up Next

The Grizzlies will embark on a three-game homestand beginning Sunday, December 31, against the Sacramento Kings at 7 p.m. CT. Memphis looks to improve on its 2-11 record inside of FedExForum.