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 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. 

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Like Deja Vu: Grizzlies Stun Pelicans, Again

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)

With the ball in Ja Morant’s hands and seconds remaining for the game-winning basket after trailing by double digits, the Memphis Grizzlies faced the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, December 26, making it like a familiar situation from only seven days before.

Only this time, it took several reviews and overtime for the Grizzlies to walk out of New Orleans with a 116-115 win that stunned Pelicans fans again. 

With the return of its superstar, Memphis has won four games in a row, including a pair of victories against the Pelicans. This season, the Grizzlies lead the matchup against New Orleans, 2-1.  

Morant finished with a game-high 31 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. Prior to the game, the NBA named the 24-year-old the Western Conference Player of the Week, who guided the Grizzlies to a 3-0 record averaging 28 points, 9 assists, and 5.7 rebounds. 

“Obviously excited to be back,” Morant said after the game. “But being able to come back and win four games now and continue to take this momentum to the next game, and the next day, is big time for us.”

Desmond Bane continues to make his case for being selected to his first NBA All-Star appearance. Bane made his presence felt early for the Grizzlies with 17 first half points. He finished with 27 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. 

Jaren Jackson Jr. recorded his second double-double of the year with 19 points and 10 boards. And he made NBA history in the process. 

Marcus Smart returned to the Grizzlies lineup after missing the past 17 games due to a left foot sprain. Smart was a big reason Memphis erased a 15-point second deficit to secure the victory.

Smart ended with 13 points, a season-high five steals, and three assists. 

In the walk-off with Grizzlies sideline reporter Rob Fischer, Smart mentioned the team’s never-give-up attitude. 

The tandem of Xavier Tillman Sr. and Vince Williams Jr. was a wrecking crew against New Orleans. The pair combined for 16 rebounds and eight blocked shots. Tillman Sr. had a career-high five blocks while Williams Jr. tied his career high with three blocks. 

Up Next 

Memphis heads to Denver to take on the Nuggets, Dec 28, at 8 p.m. inside Ball Arena. 

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Finally, 12 Returns to FedExForum

Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. walking to the bench during a timeout on December 21, 2023 as the Memphis Grizzlies faced off against the Indiana Pacers (Photo by: Sharon Brown)

Ja Morant hadn’t played at FedExForum since April 26, 2023, in Game 5 of the Western Conference quarterfinals against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Should Memphis turn their season around, Morant’s comeback from a 25-game absence will likely be remembered as a historic achievement.

Joy and excitement had been missing from the FedExForum after the Morant-less Grizzlies went 1-11. 

That all changed on Tuesday night for the 24-year-old ‘s first home game of the season. 

From Derrick Rose’s introductory remarks to the introduction of Morant in the starting lineup, the energy in the arena was apparent.

“I can say it was tough, but I can’t at the same time because obviously the tough part was not being able to be out there and enjoy and have fun with my guys,” said Morant. “Now that I’m out there, I’m making sure that we’re all having fun, no matter what, so that was pretty much just my message.”

He went on to say, “You can just tell by the energy of the team. We catch a lob, you have the bench going crazy, you have the players screaming and yelling and dapping each other up. That’s our type of basketball. That’s how we are. That’s the team we are, people we are. We are very close knit. I just preach that man, regardless of what it is, we have to have fun and celebrate the opportunities we have day in and day out.”

The Grizzlies had plenty of reasons to celebrate and when the final buzzer sounded, it was Desmond Bane, Morant, and Jaren Jackson Jr. who pulled Memphis to a 116-103 win against the Indiana Pacers. 

Bane led the way with 31 points, seven assists, and six rebounds. Jackson Jr. added 21 points while going 8-of-10 from the field and a team-high 8 rebounds. Morant finished with 20 points, a team-high 8 assists and five rebounds. 

The Grizzlies are 6-0 when Morant, Bane, and Jackson Jr. all score 20 or more points. 

It was Vince Williams Jr. shutting the water off on Pacers star Tyrese Halliburton. Halliburton went 3-of-8 from the field when Williams Jr. was his primary defender. 

“It’s great — he’s doing it every single night, and I’m happy for him, but we expect that out of him,” said Jackson Jr. of Williams Jr.’s defensive presence. “He relishes those things. He’s also a perfectionist. He wants to shut down every player on every point, and that’s not always going to happen, but the fact that he shoots for that is amazing. That’s the mentality you need going against these players to make it really hard on them. And he has all these key stops and key shots, and key ball moves and plays on stretches that we’re having that are super important.”

Ziaire Williams, Santi Aldama, and John Konchar were rejuvenated off the bench. Williams chipped in 16 points and 2 blocks, while Aldama had 13 points. Konchar ended with six points, six rebounds, and two outstanding blocked shots. 

Memphis held the number one offensive team in the association to a season-low 103 points. 

The addition of Morant improves many things for the Grizzlies, but they still recognize they have a long way to go before they can save the season.

Jackson Jr. shared his thoughts on the team’s newfound improvement with Morant in the lineup: 

Strictly From the Fans

Long-time Grizzlies fan Bailey McCormick: 

“It felt amazing! It felt like I was watching Memphis Basketball. The energy and support for Ja was off the charts. I could feel the vibe inside the forum from the fans, from his teammates, and it made for an amazing game! If I didn’t already know how the city felt about Ja Morant, last night would’ve made me believe that Ja is a superstar not only for the Grizzlies, but also for the city of Memphis as a whole!”

Season-ticket holder Frederique Worthy: 

“From the moment fans started walking into the Forum, the energy felt completely different, and in the best way. Seeing Ja return to complete our big three, just felt like a weight lifted from our collective shoulders. Smiles, high fives, and shouts of joy were shared all around.”

Up Next 

The Grizzlies head to Atlanta to take on Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday, December 23, inside State Farm Arena at 7 p.m. CT. 

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Another Disappointing Home Loss for the Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks squared off at the FedExForum on Monday, December 11, 2023 (Photo by: Sharon Brown)

Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins’ answers were short when he spoke to the media after the team’s 120-113 loss to the Dallas Mavericks at FedExForum. 

The Grizzlies went from having the best home record in the association last season, 35-6, to having one of the worst, 1-10, this season. 

Jenkins was visibly frustrated with the team’s effort and energy. He said, “It’s pretty high. I mean, we’ve got to come out and create our own energy and we can’t have teams coming in here, regardless of what our roster is or whose playing and all that stuff. You’ve got to protect home court. We’ve got to come out with a better edge. We’ve found it on the road in the recent stretch. I can’t put my finger on it, but we’ve just got to play better. Our fans deserve better. We’ve got to come out here and play with more energy.”

Jaren Jackson Jr. had one of his best offensive games of the season, finishing in the paint and from beyond the arc. He led Memphis with a season-high 41 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks. Over the last four games Jackson Jr. has been consistent on the offensive end, averaging 30.8 points while shooting 53.6 percent from the field and 52 percent from the 3-point line. 

Desmond Bane continued to put the team on his back with a 28 points and eight assists performance. He said the team just has to be better when the opportunity arises. 

The Dallas bench outscored the Grizzlies bench 42-23. Vince Williams Jr. was the lone Memphis reserve in double digits, getting a near double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds. 

He also had words with the Dallas Mavericks All-NBA forward, Luka Doncic. “He was just talking shit the whole time,” Doncic said about his back-and-forth with Williams Jr. “I told him – I wish I could play him one-on-one. That’s when I got a tech. So, I don’t know. The refs have to just let us talk, you know. It’s a part of the game. I love it. I think he’s a great defender …. This game, we were both talking, and only I got the tech, so I don’t know.”

Williams Jr. descibed it as friendly competition with Doncic. When asked how he feels about guarding players like Doncic, he responded: “I feel like I have been doing a good job since the Boston game guarding the stars; so I’ve been prepared.” Doncic went 2-of-9 from the field when Williams Jr. was his primary defender. 

The two-way wing has the trust of his teammates and the seal of approval from Bane. 

“He’s a dog. He competes each and every night on the defensive end,” said Bane of  Williams, Jr. “He’s selfless and he’s out there to make the right play. If he’s open, he’s gonna shoot it. If he’s not, he’s gonna drive it or pass it to the open teammate.”

“Those are the type of guys that that win basketball games,” Bane continued. “I think you see it every time he steps out there, that he has an impact on winning. It’s not always with scoring or flashy plays, but he’s gonna make the open shot and he’s gonna dive on the floor to get the loose balls. He’s the type of guy I want on my team for sure.”

Reinforcements are Near

Ja Morant’s return can’t come soon enough for the Grizzlies. He has only three games left in his 25-game league suspension. Plus, Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart are close to returning from injury.

Jackson Jr. was reminded of how the Grizzlies had a comeback from a 6-16 start in Morant’s rookie year. He said, “Regardless of the trend of last year, whatever happens, you just think about the next games and how you can be effective and how you can turn around, and I believe we’re going to do that. I mean you never make excuses for what’s going on.”

Jackson Jr.. continued, “Everyone’s learning each other still. Everyone’s syncing up and when we sync up, we look good. Like when we’re all clicking, and we know what’s going on we look good and then we have reinforcements on the way. So, it’s good.”  

For the organization’s and fans’ sake, let’s hope that the reinforcements make a difference.

Up Next 

The Grizzlies have a two-game away and home series with former teammate Dillon Brooks and the Houston Rockets. The Grizzlies travel to Houston on Wednesday and return home on Friday for the second match-up. 

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Throttled by Timberwolves, Again

Minnesota Timberwolves against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 8th, 2023 inside FedExForum (Credit: Sharon Brown)

The Memphis Grizzlies fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night inside FedExForum 127-103. This season, the Grizzlies have a 1-9 record at home and a 6-15 record overall. 

Memphis was severely exploited by the Wolves in rebounding, 54-28. Minnesota also had 23 second chance points while the Grizzlies only had nine.

In the end, Minnesota center Rudy Gobert grabbed 20 rebounds, which was more than the 11 boards grabbed by the Grizzlies starting five combined. 

“Really, really tough—he had nine offensive rebounds,” Grizzlies head coach Taylor on the difficulty of defending Gobert. “They had 23 second chance points. It was a challenge all night no matter who we put on him. We’ve got to be extremely better. They came in and punked us two games in a row now.”

The Timberwolves prevailed over the Grizzlies 119-97 on November 26th in their most recent meeting in Memphis.

The rebounding performance of the Grizzlies left Jenkins undoubtedly displeased. “They punked us in the first half on the boards,” the coach said following the game, “[and] too many fouls. They play with force. You’ve got to give them a lot of credit. They’re a really, really good basketball team.” 

Jenkins went on to say, “And then when we guarded really well, we couldn’t get a rebound. It’s [on] everybody. It’s one through five out there on the floor. We’ve got to take more onus on making that a priority every night, and especially against this team.” 

For Jenkins, it’s about the will and effort for his players to do better on the boards. 

Just one Grizzlies player, Santi Aldama, had a good rebounding performance; he finished with 10, one less than what the five starters totaled. 

Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 21 points while shooting 3-of-4 three-pointers and 7-of-14 overall. He has scored 20 points or more in 11 games this season.

“Work harder,” Jackson Jr. said on the team’s rebounding woes. “They’re big so you have to use your force and body. And everybody’s got to participate. Can’t just be anybody. Everybody’s got to do it together.” 

Jackson says things are getting better for the team. “We’re trending up in a lot of ways. You can’t look at everything too hard. We’re trending up though, we’re getting our chemistry down and our rotations down. We’re learning each other better. That helps on both sides of the ball.

“Don’t look at everything too hard and just appreciate that we are trending upward but don’t let this get away from us,” he continued. “Definitely look at the film, come together and realize we really got to improve little things. There are things that were glaring tonight that they exploited . … We’re about to play better teams, too. I feel like everybody in the league looks good right now. But shoot, Dallas, you know that’s next, [and] Houston twice. Teams that are also trending upwards. So, we just have to hone in on what we’ve been doing recently for sure.” 

Desmond Bane finished with 16 points, while connecting on 4-of-6 from the three-point line. 

Two-year forward David Roddy chipped in 13 points and two rebounds. “It’s disappointing for sure,” Roddy said about the team’s rebounding issues. “It’s something that we’ve been harping on for the past few weeks now. It’s again tough when they have a lot of size with [Karl-Anthony Towns], Rudy [Gobert], Naz Reid, and [Kyle Anderson]. We just had to be better. We had to build out, box out, clear those guys out of the paint and let the guards clean it up. We didn’t do that today. We’re going to look back on film and work on it.”

Roddy believes the adversity with injuries and different lineups will help them as the season goes on. “I think it helps us all really in the end. People are thrown in different roles and positions and it’s going to be a great experience. At the end of the day you’re learning a new position, you’re learning different lineups, and what opponents are like. You can carry that on later in the season when things get more solidified. I see it right now as positive. We’re, again, going to enjoy this journey. We’re going to endure as much as we can and just trust in it.” 

The Ja Morant Countdown Continues 

Morant has four games left of his 25-game league suspension. The All-Star guard is expected to make his season debut against the New Orleans Pelicans on December 19th. 

Up Next 

Memphis will look to improve its home record against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, December 11th, at 7 p.m. inside FedExForum.