The Memphis Grizzlies kicked off a three-game road trip Sunday afternoon with a victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, with a final score of 105-101.
It was he best first quarter of the season offensively for Memphis, and they maintained a lead throughout even while turning the ball over seven times. An offensive foul sent Jaren Jackson Jr to the bench with his second foul with 1:51 left in the period. Memphis finished the quarter with a 33-20 lead.
The Grizzlies shot 7 of 9 from distance during the first quarter, with Marcus Smart and Jacob Gilyard both hitting timely three-pointers. Luke Kennard shot 2 of 2 from distance during the period against his former team.
The second quarter was owned by the Clippers. Memphis shot 1-13 in the first six minutes of the second quarter, which allowed the Clippers to cut the Memphis lead to one. The refs stopped play while the Grizzlies had possession to call a flopping foul on Marcus Smart from the previous possession.
With the technical free throw Clippers tied it up. Then Terrance Mann hit a three that gave Los Angeles its first lead of the game. Credit to the Grizzlies for maintaining a consistent effort while struggling and managing to regain their lead, heading into halftime with a 52-45 score.
Fun fact: The Grizzlies are 2-0 this season when they lead at halftime.
Los Angeles went 3 of 13 from three-point range in the first half, but found their stroke in the second half, shooting 9 of 21 from three.
During the third quarter, the ball handling got sloppy, with the Clippers scoring 11 points off five Memphis turnovers. Making six of their eight free throw attempts allowed the Grizzlies to carry their lead into the fourth quarter. Good things happen when you make your free throws.
The fourth quarter was a slog during which the Grizzlies struggled to shoot the long ball at the same time the Clippers went Super Saiyan from three. Memphis was outscored during the final period but thanks to building up a lead throughout the first three periods they were still able to secure a win.
Desmond Bane finished with a game-high 27 points, plus 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal.
Bismack Biyombo recorded his second consecutive double-double racking up 13 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks.
It was a rough night offensively for Jaren Jackson Jr, who finished with 12 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block.
Smart put up 17 points, 3 rebounds, and a team-high 7 assists. Kennard led the second unit with 13 points while shooting 4 of 5 from three-point range.
Who Got Next?
The Grizzlies will return to Crypto.com Arena Tuesday night to face off against the Los Angeles Lakers for the third game in group play for the league’s new in-season tournament. Tip-off is at 9:30 PM CST.
