The Memphis Grizzlies lost the first of two back-to-back meetings with the Los Angeles Clippers at FedExForum Wednesday night, with a final score of 141-132. It was a closely contested battle, but as the saying goes, close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.
Let’s get into it.
This was a trap game. Both teams were short-handed, with the Clippers missing Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, and the Grizzlies being without Jaren Jackson Jr, Desmond Bane, and Tyus Jones, in addition to the ongoing absences of Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke.
But this was not a loss due to lack of available players; this was straight up being outshot from beyond the arc and Memphis being unable to compensate on the other end. When Russell Westbrook (5 of 5) and Robert Covington (7 of 7) combine for more made threes (12) than the entire Grizzlies squad (11), it’s probably going to be a bad time.
Postgame, Head Coach Taylor Jenkins was asked about allowing so many threes throughout the game: “They played with great force, great ball movement. We had too many breakdowns in recognizing our personnel. [Russell] Westbrook played great, obviously played great in the first quarter, set a tone from the three-point line. [Robert] Covington, seven-for-seven. Just too many free looks. Our on-ball defense wasn’t good, poor communication; some situations they took advantage of.”
Our on-ball defense wasn’t good … is putting it mildly. During the fourth quarter it was nearly nonexistent.
Credit where it is due to Memphis, with almost 20 more shot attempts (95 to 78) than the Clippers, they did at least go down swinging. And credit to this Clippers team, they made it a fight all the way down to the final buzzer.
The loss ended a seven-game Grizzlies winning streak, and a 12-game winning streak on the home court. Memphis still holds the best home record (33-6) in the league.
By The Numbers:
All the Grizzlies’ starters ended the night in double-digits.
Ja Morant led the team with 36 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists, and 3 steals, and shooting 12 of 12 from the free throw line.
Dillon Brooks finished the night with 30 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block.
Xavier Tillman Sr. closed out with 16 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block.
Santi Aldama put up 17 points and 8 rebounds, while shooting 2 of 2 from beyond the arc.
Luke Kennard made his first appearance in the starting lineup, putting up 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists.
Who Got Next?
Not quite a do-over, the Grizzlies will again face off against the Clippers in FedExForum on Friday, March 31st. Tip-off is at 7 PM CDT.
