Memphis led confidently for the first half, boosted by nice bench play, only to come out flat in the third quarter. The Kings’ defense overall was impressive in the second half, and allowed Buddy Hield and De’Aaron Fox to help them claw their way back from behind to win the game. Far worse, Marc Gasol left the game after fighting for a rebound when De’Aaron Fox came down on his head/neck/shoulder area.
But first, some fun things that happened in last night’s game.
Usually when the Grizzlies play the Kings, nothing too notable happens. You don’t get storylines like ZBo vs the CP3 and Blake Griffin Clippers. Tonight was different, however.
Grizzlies and Kings factions were at each others throats on social media about which franchise had the better draft pick: Jaren Jackson or Marvin Bagley? The real deal outlived the hype. Jackson showed his skill and touch, posting and toasting Bagley in the first half. Bagley fought back in the second half, proving difficult for Jackson to guard without fouling.
De’Aaron Fox and Mike Conley’s duel down the stretch was a treat as well. Conley scored in the 20s for the second game in a row. Fox, however, stole the show in this game. He was unstoppable in the fourth quarter.
I’ve seen Greg Wissinger, the editor of SB Nation’s Sactown Royalty, keep track of which players that sat out (or were afraid of) playing against Fox. Fox took over the game at the end, and I’m legitimately going to have nightmares about him for a week. He finished with 21 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists.
The Grizzlies had no answer for Fox. I kinda wish the Grizzlies had thrown Andrew Harrison out onto Fox late in the game, but there was too much ground to make up.
Fox’s defensive energy was equally impressive. Jackson fouled out with 1:24 left in the game while trying to set a screen for Conley that Fox fought around. The rookie bumped Fox, and Fox slid back on the court, clapping his hands gleefuly as a dejected Jackson shuffled to the bench. I know I’m not the only one looking forward to all the Bagley vs Jackson battles yet to come.
Looking forward to a decade of these Jaren Jackson Jr. vs. Marvin Bagley III battles.
— Chris Herrington (@HerringtonNBA) October 25, 2018
Grizzlies lose game and Gasol in Sacramento (3)
I wish these matchups had defined the night. Unfortunately, the Grizzlies suffered a potentially catastrophic blow when Gasol went down. Was Gasol already dealing with an injury before this happened? He did look off in the second half, airballing a shot or two. Peter Edminston of The Athletic had this to say:
Marc's been playing through what I'd guess is a groin injury anyway. Probably didn't need to be out there. Didn't look engaged. Now this. https://t.co/R3jzmx6sXK
— Peter Edmiston (@peteredmiston) October 25, 2018
Grizzlies lose game and Gasol in Sacramento
On the other hand, maybe the crazy pace the Kings imposed gassed Gasol’s legs.
That Gasol air ball was a product of the Grizzlies not being built for the up tempo style being played by the Kings. His legs are gone.
— Andrew Ford (@AndrewFord22) October 25, 2018
Grizzlies lose game and Gasol in Sacramento (2)
In any case, Gasol laid on the ground for an uncharacteristically long time before getting up and walking to the locker room. Worst-case scenarios are festering on the mind for the Grizzlies and their playoff hopes. If Gasol suffered a serious injury, the tanking conversation is likely around the corner.
P.S.
Wayne Selden started to break out a little bit in this game. He shot spot up threes well (3-6) and had a particularly bouncy hop step that allowed him to knife between some Sacramento defenders and get into the paint for a bucket.