The Memphis Grizzlies closed out their four-game road trip with a massive 140-112 win over the San Antonio Spurs and head home with a 3-1 record for the stretch.
Ja Morant was sidelined for this matchup with a sore foot, but that proved to be no problem at all for this Grizzlies team. Head coach Taylor Jenkins opted to move Luke Kennard into the starting lineup in Morant’s place, over Scotty Pippen Jr., a move which ultimately paid off for Memphis. Pippen Jr. has struggled offensively lately, averaging just 3.8 points over the past five games.
This was a bona-fide drag them into the mud and beat them there win for Memphis. After a rocky first half that had them trailing by one at the break, the Grizzlies found their offensive groove in the third quarter, outscoring San Antonio 40-22 in the period.
Once the Grizzlies took the lead in the third, the Spurs could not recover. Memphis closed the quarter with an 18-2 run.
The fourth quarter basically saw the Grizzlies running up the score, leading by as many as 31 points in the period.
There are many positive things to take away from this win: a career-scoring night from Santi Aldama, who had 29 points;, Luke Kennard thriving in the starting lineup, and improved ball-handling and offensive efficiency, and single-digit turnovers. For a team that has been plagued by turnovers all season long, that last one is a big deal.
By The Numbers:
Santi Aldama led all scorers with his career-high 29 points, adding 8 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal on 10 of 19 overall shooting and 5 of 12 from beyond the arc.
Desmond Bane closed out with 22 points, 6 rebounds, 14 assists, and 3 steals.
Jaylen Wells added another 22 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists on 8 of 11 overall shooting and 6 of 8 from three-point range.
Jaren Jackson Jr. finished with 19 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal. Kennard put up 17 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists. Brandon Clarke added 12 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal.
Who Got Next?
The Grizzlies return home Monday, January 20th, for their 23rd annual MLK Day game, facing off against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
This will be a nationally broadcast game; fans can watch it on TNT and FanDuel Sports Network. Tip-off is at 1:30 PM CST.
