The Grizzlies dominated the Atlanta Hawks behind the power of an unlikely hero. Let’s talk about it.
This victory over Atlanta was a group effort. The Grizzlies starting lineup combined for 101 of 131 total points scored. Every player in the starting five scored in double digits and they played some of their best basketball of the season.
Is Grayson Allen the greatest heel in Memphis basketball history?
Grayson Allen popped off for a career-high 30 points against Atlanta, showing perhaps that he takes the matchup between him and Trae Young to heart.
By the Numbers
Grayson Allen – 30 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists, on 10 of 18 shooting and zero turnovers. Clearly, he remembered the previous meeting with the Hawks and that dustup with Trae Young, Atlanta’s budding star point guard. (There was some chatter via Twitter, it was a whole thing. )
Allen’s career night in the rematch was a masterful performance as he embraces the heel role. Memphis AF, y’all.
Dillon Brooks – 17 points on 6 of 9 shooting, including 3 of 5 from beyond the arc. The Villian continues to frustrate opponents on both ends of the floor.
Ja Morant – 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists. Ja Morant continues to awe and amaze with his incredible court vision and high basketball IQ.
Morant sees the court in a way that us mere mortals do not, and this is evident watching him play.
When Morant isn’t contributing on the offensive end, he’s still using his skills to set up opportunities for his teammates. Feed him, and everybody eats. It is one of the many reasons why he’s the perfect leader for this franchise – you can always count on 12 to give you something.
Jonas Valanciunas – 19 points, 11 rebound, and 4 assists. JV now holds the title of player with the most consecutive double-double games in Memphis Grizzlies history, surpassing hometown favorite Zach Randolph.
Kyle Anderson – 16 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals. Can we talk about Kyle Anderson and how freaking valuable he has been this season? I don’t know who needs to hear it but Anderson has been a top-3 player for the Grizzlies this season. He’s criminally underrated this year, and his impact on the team’s success deserves some recognition.
Paging NBA Top Shot:
This sequence involving Kyle Anderson and Ja Morant and the after celebration is the perfect distillation of a new era of Grizzlies basketball – flashier than grit and grind and at least as much fun. For best results, watch this on repeat.
So good there’s already a remix on the TL:
Who Got Next?
Closing out a four-game road trip, the Grizzlies will be visiting the World’s Most Famous Arena Friday night to face the New York Knicks. Note the earlier than usual start – tip-off is at 6:30 p.m. CST.
