Rasheed Wallace ensured the Memphis Grizzlies set a new franchise low.
Wallace scored 27 points on 10-of-18 shooting as the Portland Trail Blazers handed the Grizzlies their eighth straight defeat to start the season, 101-85.
Wallace did most of his damage in the first half. But he had a big dunk in the final minutes and made a spectacular 3-pointer from the top of the key that sealed the Blazers’ fourth win in the last six games.
In six unsuccessful seasons in Vancouver, the Grizzlies never opened a season with eight straight losses. Their worst start had been 0-7 in the 1996-97 season.
The game was tied, 67-67, through three quarters and the Grizzlies stayed in it through the first six minutes of the final period.
Nick Anderson’s 3-pointer cut the deficit to 83-81 with 5:16 to play, but on Memphis’ next two possessions, Jason Williams missed a six-foot jumper and a desperation 3-pointer that resulted in a shot clock violation with 4:26 remaining.
The Grizzlies never threatened thereafter as Portland closed with a 17-1 run.
Vancouver wasted an outstanding performance from rookie Shane Battier, who scored a season-high 30 points on 10-of-13 shooting.
