With a final score of 125-119, the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Atlanta Hawks and pushed their winning streak to three games, their longest such streak this season.
Let’s get into it.
Once again, the Grizzlies big three of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. each scored 20 points or more, as they have in each of the games since Morant’s return. Memphis is 3-0 since his return and looks like an entirely different team on the court.
The Grizzlies were somewhat sluggish in the first half, and as has been their practice as of late, they came out in the second half and scorched their opponent. 31 of Desmond Bane’s game-high 37 points came in the second half, with 18 coming in the third quarter.
Atlanta could not withstand the Grizzlies’ second-half onslaught even with Trae Young scoring 19 of his 30 points and Sadiq Bey and Dejounte Murray scoring 10 or more points in the second half.
Memphis continues an upward trajectory since the return of Morant, and all signs point to Marcus Smart returning in the next two games. Luke Kennard should not be too far behind him, and there are reports that Brandon Clarke could be ready to return to the court after the all-star break. Suddenly moving up the standings to earn a play-in spot doesn’t seem so far-fetched.
By The Numbers:
Memphis scored a season-high 76 paint points in their victory over the Hawks. They converted Atlanta turnovers into 24 points and finished the night with 51.5 percent overall shooting.
Desmond Bane put up a game-high 37 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block, and was responsible for 5 of the Grizzlies 11 made threes.
Ja Morant closed out with 30 points, 6 rebounds, 11 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block.
Jaren Jackson Jr. spent most of the game in foul trouble, but was able to put up 20 points on 8-of-10 shooting in 23 minutes.
Ziaire Williams led the second unit with 8 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. Santi Aldama and Xavier Tillman Sr. contributed 6 points each.
Who Got Next?
The Grizzlies continue their road trip after the holiday with a return to the Big Easy on Tuesday to face off against the New Orleans Pelicans. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. CST.
