The Grizzlies were in Indiana Tuesday night to take on the Pacers. Although, “take on” is not the best description for what this Memphis team did to Indiana inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse. “Massacred” would be more apt.
Let’s get into it.
Leave aside for a moment the fact that the Pacers are not a good team this year, because as we have seen recently with the Rockets, playing a bad team does not in any way guarantee a Grizzlies win. But this was as complete a win as any we have seen this season.
It’s no secret that since the all-star break the Grizzlies have struggled to put together 48 minutes of cohesive basketball, but this game is evidence that’s a problem they are in the process of solving. The Grizzlies are a team right now where everybody steps up, everybody contributes, and everybody eats.
The squad was without their leader and star point guard Ja Morant, who was sidelined with a sore back. If you thought that Morant being out was going to put victory in danger, you would be incorrect.
The performance of this team without their captain is a testament to just how deep their talent runs — and perhaps a preview of just how dangerous they will be in the postseason.
Tyus Jones entered the starting lineup in place of Morant and what he lacked in scoring he more than made up for in assists (and lack of turnovers). Jones has been the league leader in assists to turnovers ratio since 2019, a feat he started in Minnesota and has carried into his time in Memphis.
By the Numbers:
Eatin’ good in the neighborhood — 13 players took the floor for the Grizzlies and 12 of them scored at least two field goals.
A 33-point victory means I probably shouldn’t harp on the team shooting 60 percent from the charity stripe in this game. But it’s certainly less than ideal.
The bench mob showed out — 64 of 135 points came from the bench.
Indiana native Desmond Bane put on a show for the crowd and led all scorers with 21 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and two steals. Bane had a group of fans attending to watch him play, and he did not disappoint.
Jaren Jackson Jr. finished the night with 19 points, 8 rebounds, two steals, and 3 blocks. He currently leads the league in blocks per game (2.2) and total blocks (154), which has earned him the nickname the Block Panther. If he isn’t in serious consideration for Defensive Player of the Year honors, we riot.
De’Anthony Melton led the second unit in scoring with 18 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals while shooting 4 of 8 from beyond the three-point line.
Steven Adams closed out with 13 points and 13 rebounds, scoring on 6 of his 7 field goal attempts.
Brandon Clarke also finished the night with 13 points and 3 blocks while shooting a perfect 6 for 6 in field-goal attempts.
Ziaire Williams put up 11 points while shooting 3 of 6 from beyond the arc.
Who Got Next?
The Grizzlies will continue on to the second leg of this four-game road trip, facing off against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, March 18th. Tip-off is at 6:30 p.m. CDT.
