Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) shoots the ball against the Boston Celtics on Monday, March 31, 2025 at FedExForum. (Wes Hale/The Memphis Flyer)
The Memphis Grizzlies faced off against the Boston Celtics on Monday night and were defeated 117-103.
The Grizzlies’ downhill slide continues. They have now lost three games in a row, and they look like an entirely different team than the one that spent most of the season in second place in the Western Conference.
Certainly, it is different from the team that beat the reigning NBA champions on their home court back in December.
Father time was on the Celtics’ side as 17-year veteran Al Horford led Boston with a season-high 26 points off the bench on 9 of 18 overall shooting and 6 of 13 from beyond the arc, and Jayson Tatum put up 25 points and 14 rebounds.
Memphis came out strong in the first quarter, outscoring Boston 32-25 overall and 5-12 from three-point range. Memphis also picked up nine points off turnovers.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) drives to the basket against the Boston Celtics on Monday, March 31, 2025, at FedExForum. (Wes Hale/The Memphis Flyer)
The Celtics responded in the second quarter when their three-point shooting heated up – 24 of their 41 points in the quarter came from beyond the arc. Boston leads the league in three-point attempts and makes, and their 32 attempted three-pointers in the first half set a franchise record from any Grizzlies opponent.
The Grizzlies entered the second half with a five-point deficit, which they briefly closed in the third quarter, only to be shut down offensively in the fourth quarter.
By The Numbers:
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies in scoring with 26 points, and added 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals.
Jaren Jackson Jr. put up 20 points and a career-high 15 rebounds, plus 1 assist, and 1 block.
Desmond Bane finished with 12 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal.
Jaylen Wells added 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists.
Santi Aldama led the second unit with 21 points, adding 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal.
Who Got Next?
The Grizzlies will close out their three-game homestand tonight against the Golden State Warriors. This is a must-win game for Memphis. Tip-off is at 7 PM CDT.
Kraftwerk at the Overton Park Shell last Tuesday (Photo: Alex Greene)
Last week, the Overton Park Shell hosted a remarkable show by the band Kraftwerk as part of its Shell Yeah! benefit concert series. The group has long been hailed as pioneers of electronic dance music, but, more than that, as world-building conceptual artists in their unyielding pursuit of a vision. That vision was on full display last Tuesday, and clearly touched a wide swath of the Memphis music community, who had turned out in force. “I think everyone I’ve ever met in Midtown is at this Kraftwerk concert right now,” quipped one music fan on social media. “It’s like a family reunion with synthesizers.”
Yet, while there was much moving and grooving in front of the Shell stage, there was a disappointing lack of the very style of dance that the German synthesists have doggedly promoted throughout their career, even in their choice of a band name. Of course, I’m talking about Twerking.
As with much music aimed at a popular dance, from the Twist to the Pony, it’s difficult to say if Kraftwerk actually invented twerking or were merely inspired by what they saw in the discotheques of 1970s Düsseldorf. But the dance has been associated with them ever since they celebrated it in their very name, which was originally rendered as KRAF-Twerk.
Founders Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider soon found that name either too obvious or too obscure, depending on the source, and quickly settled on the simpler spelling. But early demos, unreleased at the time, have made it clear that KRAF was an acronym denoting “Kinetic, Repetitive Ass Flexing.”
On the demo, an unused track titled “Twerk-Tanz Automatisch” from the Autobahn sessions, thus far only available on bootlegs, a voice intones, with deep gravitas, first the words “Mit gebeugten Knien tanzen” (dance with bent knees), then “das Gesäß betonend!” (emphasizing the buttocks!), before initiating a vocoder-steeped chant in English of “Kinetic! Repetitive! Ass! Flexing!”
Clearly the group was onto something, and the video above, from Detroit circa 1981, reveals how their trademark dance craze was soon being adopted internationally.
And it still is overwhelmingly popular in Germany and across the world to this day, as seen in this video with nearly 848.5 million views:
Yet there was little evidence of twerking at Kraftwerk’s triumphant Shell appearance. That’s not say it wasn’t going on at all, however. The dance is fully incorporated into the band’s method, just as surely as cycling, programming, and 3D projections. As Hütter himself revealed in a rare interview with Der Spiegel, “Diese Tanzmethode ist entscheidend für unsere künstlerische Praxis” (This dance method is crucial to our artistic practice). “Wir twerken immer still hinter unseren Podien” (We’re always twerking silently behind our podiums).
Kraftwerk behind their podiums (Photo: Alex Greene)
The city of West Memphis has petitioned President Donald Trump to rename a portion of the Mississippi River, West Memphis River.
“We’re tired of Mississippi getting all the credit,” said Mayor [Marco] McClendon. “It’s time to put West Memphis on the map — literally.”
McClendon said the rebranding would come with new signage, tourism campaigns, and possibly a West Memphis River cruise port.
NAH! Those West Memphis folks were just having a laugh on April Fool’s Day. And they weren’t alone. The MEMernet was filled with all kinds of people, businesses, and organizations having a good time on social media Tuesday.
Here are a few:
Akbari what?!
Credit: Sen. Raumesh Akbari via Facebook
Zoo what?!
Posted to Facebook by Memphis Zoo
“ANNOUNCEMENT: We’re expanding our Memphis identity in a bold new way.
“Memphis Zoo. Memphis, Egypt. Memphis, Tennessee. A pyramid at our entrance. It only made sense. We’re (very unofficially) launching Bass Pro at the Zoo. A concept that would bring a satellite Bass Pro Shops location right into our front plaza.
The idea? A one-of-a-kind experience. Guests could grab a camping stove, pick out the perfect tackle box, and then stroll straight into the heart of the Zoo. Maybe even roll a few frames in a tiny bowling alley near the tortoises.
“We mentioned the idea to Bass Pro. They haven’t responded. At all. So, for now, it remains a vision. But we’re putting it out into the world… because it’s April 1, and that’s what visionaries do.”
Nacho what?!
Posted to Facebook by Memphis Made Brewing Co.
“You know we had to do it big for BBQ season! 🐷 Introducing “If You Smoke It, They Will Come.” A one-of-a-kind Imperial BBQ Nacho Stout, this is a creation that could only be Memphis Made!
“Brewed with corn chip malt and smoky pork shoulder puree, this porker of a stout packs a punch at 11.3 percent ABV (Be careful over the pit when you’re smashing these bad boys!) Available on tap every Tuesday at The Ravine and in 4-packs at all Memphis Publix locations, this conversation piece is sure to make a splash at one or both of our local May BBQ Competitions!
#memphisinmay #smokeslam #bbqfest #memphismade”
Sausage what?!
Posted to Instagram by Crosstown Concourse
“Before Monogram Foods even unpacks at Crosstown Concourse, they’re already bringing the heat — literally. To celebrate their upcoming move, they’ve teamed up with us to introduce a Circle B Smoked Sausage-Scented Candle inspired by the bold flavors of Memphis and the vibrant energy of Crosstown.
“Founded in Memphis in 2004, Monogram Foods is a leading producer of meat snacks, hot dogs, bacon, and other packaged foods, supplying some of America’s most beloved brands. Their move to Crosstown Concourse will bring their innovative spirit and hometown pride to the heart of our community.
Posted to Instagram by Crosstown Concourse
“🔥 The Circle B Smoked Sausage Candle – Smoky, savory, and guaranteed to make you crave a classic smoked sausage.
“This limited-edition candle will be available for purchase throughout Crosstown Concourse, including at @milisflowersandgifts
”Stay tuned for more updates as Monogram Foods settles into Crosstown!”
GTA what?!
Posted to Reddit by u/Legpistons
”Super pumped about the new GTA!”
Comment by u/readforhealth
“Side Quest Southaven Rendezvous
“Rico heads south of the border to grab 12kilos from the Chesteridge apartment complex. Little does he know, Brunnie B is also en route; and he hasn’t forgotten about the mess you made of his shop during the bust up. Meanwhile, Kitty Lee preps and wraps freshly packed powder for your arrival. This could get messy.
“Car 2018 Dodge Challenger Gauntlet
“Weapons Two Sig 365Ls and a sawed-off 12
”Objective Grab cargo and get back above the line by 5 O’clock”
Duck tour what?!
Posted to Facebook by Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
“Special April 1st Tour!
“Plunge into the silliness this April Fool’s Day with Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park’s one-of-a-kind, one day only, Submarine Tour of Poplar Tree Lake!
“Hop aboard with Ranger Chuckles as he steers through the stump-filled shallows in our cutting-edge, pedal-driven submarine — equipped with snorkels for quick getaways and a periscope that moonlights as a selfie stick.
“Be amazed by underwater spectacles like the rare migration of freshwater rubber ducks and the mysterious Poplar Tree Lake Kraken (spoiler alert: it’s just a giant bass).
“Secure your pretend tickets today for a laugh-out-loud journey that’ll leave you soaked in fun — metaphorically speaking!
“Stay tuned for more April Fool’s Day events that don’t really exist! 😂 “
River what?!
Credit: City of West Memphis via Facebook
“🚨 BIG ANNOUNCEMENT FROM MAYOR MCCLENDON 🚨
“Mayor McClendon has officially requested federal approval to rename a portion of the Mississippi River to…The West Memphis River.
“’We’re tired of Mississippi getting all the credit,’ said Mayor McClendon. ‘It’s time to put West Memphis on the map — literally.’”
The proposed section would span from the I-55 Bridge to the I-40 Bridge.
Posted to Facebook by City of West Memphis
“‘We’re not trying to take the whole river,’” Mayor McClendon said. “’Just the best part.’”
“The rebranding would come with new signage, tourism campaigns, and possibly West Memphis may soon be home to a West Memphis River cruise port! Passengers can board for scenic tours newly renamed West Memphis River, taking in the sights, and sounds of the Delta in style.
”The petition has been submitted to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names and is now in the hands of President Trump. Stay tuned.”
Sauce what?!
Posted to Facebook by Rotolo’s Craft & Crust – East Memphis, TN
“B.Y.O.B 🪣
“What’s the elite pizza dipping sauce? 🍕
Ranch lovers, this is your moment! For ONE DAY ONLY we’re filling up your bucket with our creamy ranch. No limits.”
Elwood’s what?!
Posted to Facebook by Elwood’s Shack
“All sandwiches buy one get 3 free. One day April special. Today Only.”
Elon Musk. Photo by Trevor Cokley / Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons
A resolution for the Shelby County Health Department to host a public hearing regarding xAI’s air permits has been passed by the Shelby County Board of Commissioners.
The resolution, sponsored by Commissioner Britney Thornton, urged the Shelby County Health Department to host a public meeting “prior to the approval or denial of the permit submitted by CTC Property LLC, an affiliate of xAI for the long-term operations of 15 methane gas turbines in South Memphis.”
Keshaun Pearson, executive director of Memphis Community Against Pollution, said this resolution would suspend the air-permitting process as the permit is not for the “current pollution” but “more pollution,” as xAI intends to bring more turbines in.
Groups such as Young, Gifted, and Green, MCAP, and Black Voters Matter along with several community members have openly condemned the project — with the news of the turbines operating for almost a year further amplifying outrage.
“Elon Musk holds nothing but malice for the people of Memphis [and] Shelby County,” Brandy Price said during the public comment section of the meeting. “To vote in favor of anything that aids Elon Musk will be a stain on yourself.”
Several people have spoken about the environmental risks that the project poses. Jonathan Reid, a resident of South Memphis, urged the commission to not only vote in favor of public hearings, but to “bring science to the table” when evaluating the project.
“I would like to know down the road when Elon Musk do[es] all this gas stuff what’s going to happen to the health of South Memphians?” Barbara Denton, a 72-year resident of South Memphis said. “Health is not being considered. All y’all want is money. It’s all about politics and money when it comes to South Memphis. Why does South Memphis have to get the neglect of being Black – mostly 90 percent? If y’all want to move something, move it Downtown. Let’s move it Downtown and see how it works for you.”
Dr. Michelle Taylor, director of the Shelby County Department of Health, acknowledged the community’s comments and said the public comment period is open now through April 30th. Residents can review xAI’s permit application and leave comments through the department’s website.
“We only can do as much as current legislation allows us to do,” Taylor said. “We did request an EPA community assessment. We requested, twice, in two letters to the EPA in August. We received a response on November 1 of 2024 saying they could not do the report.”
Taylor assured that the Health Department is committed to being held accountable by both the commission and the community.
The resolution passed 8-3 with one abstaining from voting.
Mix Odyssey 2020 winners included Nick Lumpkin, Daniel Quinlan, and Mitch Marable. (Photo: Courtesy Volunteer Odyssey)
Mix Odyssey returns.
The Volunteer Odyssey fundraiser, where bartenders compete with each other to make the best drink of the night, will be back after a five-year hiatus. It will be held from 6 to 9 p.m., April 30th, at Baron Von Opperbean (BVO), the site of the old Mississippi River Museum at Mud Island.
Bartenders Mitchell Marable (The Lobbyist) and Nick Lumpkin (The Cove) were the instigators. “We wanted to start the competition back up,” says Marable, who is also a butcher at Buster’s Butcher. “We missed it and figured it was about time. The last one we did was the end of February 2020 right before everything started locking down.”
The event is “a fun time for bartenders to get together and see each other. We’re usually working on the same evenings. We can’t get out and have cocktails with our other comrades. We’re just working the same schedules. It’s a good cause. A good organization and just a fun night.”
Mitchell Marable (Photo: Michael Donahue)
Caroline Norris, Volunteer Odyssey president/CEO, is grateful for Marable and Lumpkin. “If I did not have their support and expertise, it could not have happened,” she says. “They have such big hearts and they’re really good at what they do.”
The previous Mix Odyssey was the last, or close to the last, big fundraiser before Covid hit in March 2020, Norris says. “We just want to make sure that people remember how much fun it it is. And they can come and vote for their favorite bartender.”
And, she says, “With each ticket you get a couple of votes. And with each donation you get another vote. You can cheer on your favorite bartender and support work to build capacity for our hundreds of nonprofit partners to provide technology platforms, recruiting, and best practices to manage their volunteers.”
Nick Lumpkin (Photo: Rachel Mary Harris)
Bartenders come up with their own cocktails with spirits provided by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. “Each bartender will basically be crafting their signature cocktail to compete.”
Guests get six tastings. Snacks will be provided by Paradox Catering & Consulting, thanks to owner Jimmy Gentry, who also is chef/owner of The Lobbyist. Beer and wine also will be available.
Norris says, “The whole event is to celebrate the end of Global Volunteer Month,” which begins April 1st.
Barksdale's restaurant at 237 Cooper Street is coming back
Sunny side up, everybody! Barksdale’s will reopen Monday, April 14th.
The iconic eatery at 237 Cooper Street that closed after a fire in June, 2024 will be back in action with breakfast and lunch. It will be open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. seven days a week, says Ryan Glosson, one of the owners along with Bryant and Heather Bain. They also are the owners of Bain Barbecue down the street at 993 Cooper Street in Cooper-Young.
Heather and Bryant Bain and Ryan Glosson at the recent A Taste of CBHS (Credit: Michael Donahue)
The walls will feature “lots of memorabilia from before,” Glosson says.”We got the (Ameican) flag that’s back up in the hallway. New flooring, new ceilings, new booths.”
As for the food, Bryant says, “It’s the same type of food, it’s just updated to be fresher and scratch made every day. Some new items on the menu, but I don’t know what they did on their daily lunch menu off the top of my head. Just tell people to come in and eat.”
Asked in an earlier interview why they wanted to buy Barksdale’s, Bryant said, “We’ve all eaten there. And it’s been in the community for so many years.”
They weren’t going to let Barksdale just belong to the ages. They wanted it open again. It was “Hey, if we can do something about it, we’re going to,” Bryant said.
Frank McLallen is a familiar face to Memphis music fans. He’s been in Ex-Cult, was a founding member of The Sheiks, backed Jack O, wailed with the Tennessee Screamers, and rocked with Model Zero. Now, he’s going solo.
McLallen’s solo album is called Extra Eyes, and he says getting to a place where he could make and release the music he wants has been a journey. “I got chewed up and spit out of a decade of a rock and roll career and lost myself for a few years,” he says. “There were only two ways this was gonna go, north or south … I got my shit together and tried to do this thing all over again. I fell in love with music again.”
McLallen recorded the songs that would become Extra Eyes at Memphis Magnetic, and the album is being released on the studio’s Red Curtain Records. “I’ve spent so much time collaborating with bands, where writing and direction were shaped by group dynamics,” McLallen says. “Being in a band is a wonderful experience, and I still love it, but I’ve enjoyed this whole trip of getting to know myself again. This project has allowed me to write and record ideas with no goal in mind other than to be completely honest in my expression.”
The music video for the lead single “Manic” was directed by Noah Miller, with art direction by Sarah Moseley. “It’s a Southern gothic daydream,” says McLallen. “We filmed it at my uncle’s property in North Mississippi, built before the Civil War. The place has a surreal element to it, and it’s so lush, so green out there in the springtime.”
If you would like to see your music video featured on Music Video Monday, email cmccoy@memphisflyer.com.
Work has begun on a project that will forever end parking on the Greensward at Overton Park and open new trails in a new part of the Old Forest, according to the Overton Park Conservancy (OPC).
A decades-long struggle to end Memphis Zoo overflow parking on the park’s signature field ended with an agreement by the zoo, OPC, and the city of Memphis in 2022. Read our story about the deal and a timeline of the saga here.
Credit: Overton Par Conservancy
Parking project
The project to end Greensward parking is a multi-phase dance with specific choreography. OPC outlined those steps in a Greensward update on its website Monday.
The first phase — repaving and re-striping the zoo’s main parking lot is complete.
Credit: Overton Park Conservancy
The second phase will include demolishing crumbling asphalt in the park’s southeast corner (an are close to the corner of Poplar and East Parkway). That are will then be leveled and paved for a new public parking lot. This phase will also include getting some old city-owned buildings ready for the zoo’s new maintenance facility.
This phase is now in the engineering and permit phase, OPC said, and work will being when those permits are in hand. No timeline was given for its completion.
When all the construction in Phase 2 is complete, the zoo will move its maintenance and adminstrative functions to that space, the former General Services facility on the park’s east side. This move will leave empty the zoo’s current maintenance area along North Parkway.
That area will, then, be razed for a new parking lot there in Phase 3 of the plan.
“When that lot opens,” OPC said in a statement Monday, “cars will no longer park on the Greensward.”
Credit: savethegreensward.com
In Phase 4, OPC will create a new walking loop around the Greensward.
”We appreciate your patience as we complete all these steps!” OPC said. “We’re very fortunate that this project is being funded through a $3 million HUD Community Project Funding grant, thanks to Congressman Steve Cohen.
Credit: Overton Park Conservancy
“We received HUD’s approval to proceed in fall 2024 and began the environmental review process at that time. Since then, the Conservancy has been working closely with the city and the zoo to refine the design of the parking area and new zoo maintenance facility.
“We’re happy to be teaming up with our partners at the zoo and the city on this long-awaited project, and to see so much progress underway.”
New trail, Old Forest
The deal for parking also included the zoo restoring 17 acres of forested parkland back to the OPC and the Old Forest. Work to open these acres has already begun and it will intensify and continue. OPC hopes to have access open and new trails ready by fall.
Credit: Overton Park Conservancy
“If you’ve walked in the forest recently, you may have noticed some activity in the fenced acreage that’s currently on zoo property and will come under Conservancy management soon,” the statement said. “Crews have finished building a new boundary fence for the zoo that will allow us to eventually remove the old fence and open up these forested acres to the public.
“Before the old fence comes down, we have two more tasks to complete. We’ll be going out to bid in the next few weeks for a contractor who will build the new walking trail over the summer.
“After the trail is created, we’ll have another contractor come in to remove invasive plants. When that work is substantially complete, we’ll take the fence down. Our goal is to have a ribbon-cutting and open the trail this fall!”
Frustrated Democrats included (l to r) TNDP Chair Rachel Campbell, chairmanship candidate Willie Simon, event moderator Will Richardson, and chairmanship candidate Jeff Etheridge
They came, they saw, they quarreled, and nobody conquered. Several hundred Shelby County Democrats gathered at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church on McLemore on Saturday for the express purpose of electing new officers, but their meeting dissolved in chaos and confusion and the various party factions finally agreed to try again “in 30 days” to reach agreement.
Meanwhile, the party must endure a reprise of sorts of the situation of 2016, when local party disunion became so flagrant that the state party organization dissolved the local party, which did not reorganize itself into a functional organization until a year later.
As of Saturday, the Tennessee Democratic Party (TNDP) is once again in control of things, and the Shelby County Democratic Party (SCDP) is once again officially dormant.
The issues on Saturday were complicated, but, on the surface, they seemingly had to do with what the county party’s governing bylaws should be, and whether proposed revisions to them had or had not been successfully promulgated and acted upon in time for Saturday’s reorganization meeting.
The meeting had begun in a spirit of unity with a series of exhortatory speeches by party principals, including a particularly spirited pair by the party’s legislative caucus chair Karen Camper, who warned that Republicans in state government had set their sights on displacing Democrats from all local posts, and state Representative Justin Pearson, who declaimed the advantages of organized “people power.”
Order began to crumble when local Democrats Inez Warner and Rickey Peete rose to question whether the body, which included the party’s executive committee, its grassroots representatives, and Democrats at large had been properly apprised of new party bylaws and given a chance to examine and approve them.
What ensued from that point, was a succession of responses, amid ever-deepening cacophony, from party figures in both the local and the state Democratic organizations.
As to the bylaws, there are several overlapping issues:
One issue is whether voting on the local party’s leadership should include members of the local party’s “grassroots” (general membership) organization of 100-odd members or limited to the 30-member executive committee, the core of which is two members from each county commission district. (The larger, combined voting base is traditional. A motion to limit voting to the executive committee had been defeated at a recent SCDP meeting.)
Another issue concerned whether the voter base, however construed, should elect all local party officers at once, as recommended by the TNDP, or only the chair, who would appoint the other officers. (The latter method is the local tradition.)
It is unclear how the chances of either declared chairmanship candidate — Jeff Etheridge or current acting chair Willie Simon — would be affected by the choice of bylaws.
An animating circumstance underlying the party’s reorganization efforts was the removal last year of former chair Lexie Carter, ostensibly for performance reasons, by then-SCDP chair Hendrell Remus.
For whatever reason, holdover adherents of Carter seem to favor changes in the bylaws to limit the franchise, and supporters of Etheridge, who began Saturday expressing confidence in the outcome, appeared to be especially aggrieved by the snag in Saturday’s planned election.
A largely unspoken but looming aspect of the situation is that Etheridge is white and Simon is African-American, though both candidates have supporters across racial and ethnic boundaries.
In any case, after Saturday, the local party will, in every sense, have to start all over. Again.
Desmond Bane goes up for a layup against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at FedExForum (Photo by: Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Memphis Grizzlies’ loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, 134-127, on Saturday night only added to the shock of head coach Taylor Jenkins’ abrupt firing on Friday morning. Jenkins, who had been with the team for six seasons, was let go despite the Grizzlies’ 44-29 record, which has them tied with the Lakers for the 4/5 seeds in the Western Conference.
The decision to fire Jenkins was made by Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman, who cited “urgency” as a core principle of the team. Kleiman stated that he came to the conclusion that firing Jenkins was in the best interest of the team.
Jenkins’ firing sent shockwaves through the NBA, with many questioning the timing and reasoning behind the decision. The Grizzlies named assistant coach Tuomas Iisalo as the interim head coach.
Prior to the game Iisalo expressed shock and surprise at Jenkins’ sudden firing, stating he had no inkling it was coming. He then accepted the role of interim head coach and has been scrambling to get organized and adjust to the new situation.
The Grizzlies’ first-quarter struggles remained unchanged despite the coaching change, as they trailed the Lakers 39-28.
Iisalo attributed the loss to a poor first half, citing the team’s failure to execute the basics. He acknowledged the Lakers’ potent trio, but emphasized that the Grizzlies’ slow start was the decisive factor. Iisalo stressed the need for improvement, particularly with back-to-back games looming.
“The goal of the game is to win, obviously,” said Iisalo. “So we can’t be happy with our performances — but it was encouraging to me after that lackluster start, we did a lot of things a lot better in the second half.”
Iisalo continued: “We had better on-ball pressure — we did better in our pick and roll defense. We did not allow the opposition to get easy offensive rebounds. We applied friction, as we like to say, in the full court, to wear down their best players, and not just allow them to jog into their spots and get the exact shots.”
Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies, scoring 29 points to go along with six assists, four rebounds, and two steals.
Jaren Jackson Jr. shook off early foul trouble to deliver a strong performance, scoring 24 points on an efficient 8-of-13 shooting.
Following a six-game absence, Ja Morant returned to the lineup and nearly recorded a triple-double, posting 22 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds.
“Anything we want — we just got to lock back in,” Morant said when asked about what the team can still accomplish this year. “It’s not like we are eliminated from the playoffs,” Morant added.
Morant emphasized the need for focus, communication, and teamwork to improve performance. He highlighted the importance of reading the game, making smart decisions, and playing with effort, while also stressing the need to correct simple mistakes and communicate effectively with teammates.
Zach Edey made a notable impact in his return to the starting lineup, contributing 14 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and swatting three blocks in 26 minutes of play.
Off the bench, Scotty Pippen Jr. provided a spark, scoring 16 points and dishing out five assists.
The Grizzlies continue a three-game homestand, hosting the Boston Celtics at FedExForum on Monday, March 31, at 6:30 p.m., with the game set to air on TNT.
