The Grizzlies faced off against the New Orleans Pelicans Tuesday night and were well and truly trounced. The Grizzlies were without Desmond Bane and the Pelicans were without Zion Williamson. The Pelicans were able to overcome their teammate’s absence, but the Grizzlies decidedly were not.
Let’s get into it.
The Good: Jaren Jackson Jr made his season debut and registered 5 blocks. Including this beautiful one:
The Bad: Desmond Bane has been added to the injured list with a big toe sprain, to be evaluated in 2-3 weeks.
The Ugly: 26% from beyond the arc, 68% from the free throw line, and minus 15 in the assist battle. The meager 16 Grizzlies assists to 31 Pelicans assists = embarrassing and unacceptable.
New Orleans thrashed Memphis and it wasn’t a particularly fun battle to watch. And it was extra frustrating knowing that the Pelicans were missing their best player. Turns out they didn’t need Zion Williamson to win.
CJ McCollum, a certified Grizz killer, lit up the three-point line, going 7 for 13. That is only two fewer made threes than the entire Grizzlies squad. Which is … less than ideal. Brandon Ingram and Larry Nance Jr each put up 19 points. Ingram shot 2 of 2 from three. Nance put Santi Aldama on a poster.
By the Numbers:
Ja Morant led all scorers with a game-high 36 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals.
Dillon Brooks finished with 19 points and 2 rebounds while shooting 2 of 9 from distance.
With Bane out, Brooks took it upon himself to try and make up for the loss of three-point shooting. Not great. Hopefully, we will see fewer three-point attempts and more driving to the basket from Brooks in the future.
Brandon Clarke led the scoring off the bench, putting up 15 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks.
No other Grizzlies player scored in double figures.
Who Got Next?
The gang is headed back to home turf. The Grizzlies will face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday, November 18th. Tip-off is at 7 PM CST.
