At least they didn’t get 30-pieced this time.
You aren’t watching Groundhog’s Day, the Memphis Grizzlies and the Portland Trail Blazers just played two consecutive games on two consecutive nights in FedEx Forum. Unfortunately for Grizzlies fans, they lost them both, but how they lost the second game might be more infuriating.
After being up by as many as 18 points, the Grizzlies succumbed to the Blazers in overtime.
Big props to Anfernee Simons, whose 18 points between the fourth quarter and overtime sealed the deal for Portland. In bonus time, Portland outscored Memphis 12 to 7.
The Blazers held the Grizzlies scoreless for the final two minutes of regulation and forced a season-high 24 turnovers that Portland converted into 24 points.
The Grizzlies outshot the Blazers from three-point range (37.5% to 31.4%) but Portland shot better overall than Memphis (42.4% to 36.1%).
Being short key players has been a hallmark of the season for Memphis, but the absence of Jaren Jackson Jr for the second night did the Grizzlies no favors. Once again fielding a roster that looks more at home in the G-League didn’t help matters any.
It is good for player development that these guys are seeing as much time on the court, but not without having more tried-and-true NBA players to balance things out.
Vince Williams Jr finished with a team-high 21 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks while shooting 4 of 7 from beyond the arc and 7 of 14 overall.
Santi Aldama also closed out the night with 21 points, adding 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block while shooting 5 of 9 from beyond the arc and 7 of 15 overall.
The only other Grizzlies player to score in double digits was GG Jackson, who put up 17 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals.
Who Got Next?
The Grizzlies are hitting the road for two games. Monday night they will face off against the Brooklyn Nets. Tip-off is at 6:30 p.m. CST.
