The Memphis Grizzlies faced off against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night, for the second time this week. Thanks to the weirdness of NBA scheduling, Denver played in Memphis on Monday night and again Wednesday night.
For a team that lost all three meetings with Denver last season, the Grizzlies taking both games this week is a big deal. That Memphis managed to win by only two points after having as much as a 20-point lead was less than ideal, but it does speak to this team’s resilience.
The Nuggets may have reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, but the Grizzlies have Ja Morant and JAREN JACKSON JR., who definitely deserves the all-caps after he led the Grizzlies in scoring and closed out against Jokic in the final play of the game.
Denver had the advantage in the paint, on the glass, in second-chance points, and in fastbreak points, and yet Memphis still managed to come away with the win.
The Grizzlies definitely took advantage of the Nuggets turning the ball over though, scoring 21 points off Denver’s 12 turnovers.
By the Numbers:
The leading scorer for Memphis was none other than Jaren Jackson Jr., who finished the night with 22 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 blocks — including 5 of 9 from beyond the three-point line. And notably only 3 fouls. He’s also a fashion icon, in case you didn’t know.
Ja Morant closed out the night with 18 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals.
Kyle Anderson found a little of his mojo again after struggling in the past few games. Anderson ended up with 16 points, 3 rebounds, and shooting 2 of 3 from distance.
Desmond Bane also finished the night with 16 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists. Meanwhile, De’Anthony Melton had 10 points, 3 assists, and 2 blocks.
Rookie Ziaire Williams had the best game of his NBA career so far, contributing 11 points off the bench.
Steven Adams closed out with 8 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. Fun fact: Adams is shooting 100 percent from the free-throw line so far this season.
Who Got Next?
The Grizzlies will hit the road again, briefly, facing off against the Washington Wizards Friday night. Tip-off is at 6 p.m. CDT.
