Grizzlies entered the night at 3-13 on the season and 0-8 at home. The last time Memphis won a regular season game at home was on April 4, 2023 against the Portland Trail Blazers, 119-109. Entering the night, the Grizzlies were the only team in the association without a home win this season.
That all changed on Wednesday night, as Memphis secured its first home win of the season 105-91. The Jazz fell to 1-8 on the road, while the Grizzlies are 1-8 at home.
The Grizzlies grabbed a season-high 51 rebounds and blocked a season-high 10 shots as Memphis won by their biggest margin this season.
Memphis scored a season-high 58 points in the paint and outscored Utah 23-9 in fast break points.
Derrick Rose and David Roddy were inserted into the starting lineup for their first starts of the season.
Jaren Jackson Jr. led all scorers with 20 points, six rebounds, six blocks and +/- of 14. “The streamers, the ‘Grizz Win’ sign, not hearing that one song that comes on after a loss,” said Jackson Jr. on the first home win. “The [Kelsey Wright Johnson] interview, the TV interviews, and I’m not mad. We’ve been here before though, during all the streaks. It makes you appreciate this win, but there’s totally more to do, and there’s more coming for sure.”
Jackson Jr.’s contributions were evident on both ends of the court on Wednesday night.
“It’s great,” Desmond Bane on earning the first home win. “Obviously, since I’ve been here, we’ve been great here, play great basketball here at home. It’s a different sense of pride and urgency when you’re playing on your home floor. It’s great to be able to deliver that win to fans and the city.”
Bane finished with 17 points, nine assists, seven rebounds and a team-high three steals.
Bane also shared his thoughts on defense and consistency. “It was just our defense, you know,” said Bane. “Attention to detail, especially on the defensive and really fueled our offense. I think we probably had the most points we’ve had in transition all year tonight. Really kicking the ball ahead and being able to get out and run, and that way everybody’s involved – Feeling good. Everybody’s touching the ball and having an impact on winning.”
Rose tallied 14 points, nine assists, four rebounds with +/- of 20. “He’s been huge – not only his play on the court, but what he brings to this team from a veteran standpoint and poise,” said Bane on Rose’s contributions. “It’s great to have him, especially finding the starting lineup … not only had 14 points, but nine assists. Really getting guys involved. Only one turnover. Terrific game.”
The former league MVP was a calming presence the team needed to get over the hump.
Roddy chipped in 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting with a career high in three-pointers (5) and six rebounds.
Jackson Jr. spoke about Roddy after the game, saying “He has great self-talk. He’s very hard on himself and he knows himself. He knows the game really well, and he’s really smart. He treats every game the same way. It’s honestly about how the game goes, and he was hot. I’m glad because he wasn’t shooting with any hesitation, that’s what we teach around here. He’s balling, so I love to see that.
Jackson Jr. continued, “I always tell [David] Roddy that he’s one of my favorite players. I see more than everybody else just because of the work ethic and how he approaches everything. Nothing is too big of a challenge for him, and nothing’s ever accomplished to him. He’s that type of guy, so that’s how he’s always gonna play.”
Roddy earned the first walk-off interview at home this season.
Off the bench, Ziaire Williams had his best output of the season with 15 points, eight rebounds and two steals.
Two-way player Vince Williams, Jr. and 10-day signee Jaylen Nowell presence off the bench on both ends of the floor gave the Grizzlies the edge they needed.
Strictly from the Fans
The crowd was happy to get that home win just like the team.
Kandi Horton became a season ticket holder this year but has always tried to make the majority of the games since the team has been in Memphis. She was super excited for the first home win.
“The team brought energy and so the crowd was able to feed off of them and vice versa,” Horton explained. It was nice to see Grizzlies basketball being played.”
Desmond Spears has supported the Grizzlies since the move to Memphis. About the win, he said, “Playing the right lineups at the right time, playing defense and not leaving 3-point shooters wide open, playing non-telegraphed basketball offensively and hitting open slots tend to make winning a little more realistic.”
Ja Morant Returns Soon
There are eight games left for Morant to return from the 25-game league suspension. As he left the podium, Jackson Jr. emphatically said, “There’s a man at home licking his chops.”
Up Next
The Grizzlies look to gain momentum with back to back road games in Dallas and Phoenix on Friday, December 1 and Saturday, December 2.
