Tag: Memphis Grizzlies

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Season Ends in Disappointment

Scotty Pippen Jr. shoots a three-point shot in Game 4 against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Round 1 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 26, 2025. (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Oklahoma City Thunder completed a 4-0 sweep of the Memphis Grizzlies with a thrilling 117-115 win on Saturday, capping off a tumultuous season for Memphis.

The season took a dramatic turn with the firing of head coach Taylor Jenkins, who was let go with just nine games remaining.

Memphis also faced significant challenges heading into their series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Before the series even began, they had lost two key players to season-ending injuries: Brandon Clarke, who suffered a knee injury in March, and Jaylen Wells, who was sidelined with a broken wrist in April. 

To make matters worse, star guard Ja Morant suffered a hip contusion during Game 3 after colliding with Thunder defender Lu  Dort, which kept him out of Game 4. After the loss of Clarke and Wells, Morant’s absence proved too much for the Grizzlies to overcome.

“The season didn’t end the way we wanted it to,” Desmond Bane said after Saturday’s loss. “We do have a strong sense of who we are and what we want to be. We didn’t win a game in a series, so we know we’ve still got a long way to go. We’re going to approach the offseason in that manner.”

Bane described the season as “unique,” succinctly capturing the Grizzlies’ rollercoaster experience.

They’re a good team,” Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr. said of the Thunder after the series loss. “They were a good team for all these games, and we had a lot of chances, a lot of moments, especially in these last two games to capitalize on certain things.” 

Jackson Jr. acknowledged that he needs to improve, and took responsibility for putting his team in position to succeed by making better plays, reducing turnovers, and performing better in the postseason.

The Thunder did a great job neutralizing Jackson Jr.’s offense. “I’m putting it on myself to continue to bring that to the team because they deserve to get the best version of me out there,” Jackson said. “They brought a lot of defensive pressure. I gotta be ready for that and be able to make adjustments. You gotta have the little things down playing a team like this.”

Jackson Jr. and Bane’s efforts to lead the Grizzlies to wins without Morant raises concerns about their ability to effectively complement him when he’s on the court in the postseason.

Jackson Jr.’s playoff performance, for example, was a step back from his regular season form. After averaging 22.2 points on 48.8% shooting during the regular season, he dropped to 16 points per game on 37.9% shooting in the playoffs.

Bane’s playoff performance was also a notable decline from his regular season form, particularly from beyond the arc, where he shot a dismal 21.9% compared to his regular season mark of nearly 40%.

Memphis badly needed Jackson Jr. and Bane to excel, particularly after Ja Morant’s injury, to keep their season afloat. After lackluster showings in Games 3 and 4, it’s time for them to step up and perform at a higher level in the postseason going forward. 

Scotty Pippen Jr. made a valiant effort, averaging 29 points, 8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 steals over the last two games. One of the few bright spots of the post-season.

Before fouling out on Saturday, Pippen led the Grizzlies with 30 points and 11 rebounds, achieving his first career playoff double-double and setting a new playoff career high.

But Memphis ultimately fell short of expectations, wrapping up a disappointing 2024-25 season that fueled rumors of potential roster shakeups, especially given the team’s experienced core and the high expectations that come with it. With only one playoff series win during Morant’s tenure, change might be imminent.

Interim Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo praised the team’s perseverance, character, and togetherness, citing the significant emotional turmoil arising from a coaching change, injuries, and tough losses. He lauded the players for staying focused and not giving up.

The Grizzlies’ season has ended, but numerous questions remain about the team’s future path and what changes lie ahead.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Fall to Thunder in Game 2

Ja Morant shoots the ball during Game 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Round 1 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 (Photo by: Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Oklahoma City Thunder took control with a 118-99 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, securing a 2-0 series lead behind stifling defense and relentless effort. The Thunder held Memphis to under 100 points for the second consecutive game. 

Grizzlies interim head coach Tuomas Iisalo said that his team’s struggles go beyond turnovers, citing losses in the possession game and rebounding battle, particularly on offense, where opponents grab nearly 30% of rebounds. This is pressuring the team’s shot quality, and these issues stem from the same underlying problems, he said. 

Iisalo admitted that the Thunder’s active defense is disrupting the Grizzlies’ offense, particularly when setting screens and on drives. He noted that OKC’s anticipation and ability to stay on passing lanes are making it hard for Memphis to execute their plays and complete kick-out passes.

Iisalo had a simple message for his team, “Let’s get on the plane as soon as possible. They took care of their business — now it’s time for us to take care of our business at home.” 

Iisalo said his team started competing seriously in the third quarter and played nearly even from there on. However, he emphasized the need to maintain that level of competition for the entire 48 minutes and adopt an attack mindset from the start.

After a rough Game 1, Jaren Jackson Jr. bounced back with a strong performance, scoring 26 points on 10-of-17 shooting to lead the Grizzlies.

Jackson Jr. noted that  Game 2 was a big improvement from Game 1 and credited the team’s more aggressive attitude for the change, trying to “hit first” rather than react. But it wasn’t enough. 

The 25-year-old big man said he read the defense better in Game 2, being more proactive and avoiding getting doubled or tripled as easily as he did in Game 1.

He went on to say playing a strong team like the Thunder is fun and motivating, pushing them to be their best and get better. It’s a challenge they need to accept.

“It’s a series. You never get too high or too low about anything. You’ve got to go home and take care of business,” Jackson Jr. said after the game. “Ride the wave of the home crowd and protect home court. Have that confidence and that swag.”

Ja Morant added 23 points and six assists. He wasn’t happy with himself after the team’s second consecutive blowout loss.

“I’ve got to be better. It’s simple,” Morant vowed after Tuesday’s loss. “If I be better, we’ll be better.”

Iisalo emphasized the need for better “quality” in the team’s offense, including improved entries, separation, screening, and spacing, to get players like Morant going.

Desmond Bane rebounded from a modest 9-point performance in Game 1, finishing with 19 points and 12 rebounds in Game 2.

Bane said the Grizzlies executed better and took care of the ball more in Game 2, but still made mistakes that good teams in the playoffs capitalize on. He emphasized the need to clean up those errors.

The Thunder scored 25 points off 15 Grizzlies turnovers and dominated in transition, outscoring Memphis 21-3 in fast-break points.

“We’re getting beat to some loose balls. That’s stopping our transition,” said Bane. “They’re putting a lot of pressure on Ja and some of our other guys. We’ve just got to have multiple guys willing to push the ball and get us out in transition.”

Bane said the key is to play with confidence, trust each other, and play freely, which will lead to the shots falling and have fun. 

The Grizzlies will host Game 3 against the Thunder at FedExForum on Thursday, April 24. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 PM CT. You can catch the action on TNT and FanDuel Sports Network Southeast.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Clinch Playoff Berth

Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) drives against Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) during the first half on Friday, April 18, 2025, in Memphis. (Photo: Wes Hale)

The Memphis Grizzlies are headed back to the playoffs after a season marked by injuries and turmoil.

The Grizzlies convincingly clinched the eighth seed in the NBA playoffs, defeating the Dallas Mavericks 120-106 in a win or go home game of the Western Conference Play-In Tournament.

Memphis dominated the first quarter, outscoring the Mavericks 39-24 with a 22-9 run in the final three minutes. They extended their lead to as many as 25 points in the second quarter, holding a 66-49 halftime advantage. 

Although Dallas gained momentum in the third quarter, narrowing the gap to seven points, the Grizzlies maintained a double-digit lead for the rest of the game. 

Memphis dominated inside, outscoring the Mavericks 60-44 in paint points and out-rebounding them 50-36, with 16 offensive rebounds to Dallas’ 7. The Grizzlies also outscored Dallas 24-14 in points off turnovers.

As the Grizzlies’ season hung in the balance, Jaren Jackson Jr. sent a purposeful message to Ja Morant and Desmond Bane. 

“Setting the tone, I felt like us three were pretty much locked [in] the whole time,” Morant said, referring to himself, Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane. “As soon as the Warriors game was over we pretty much locked in on what we had to do to get to this point. Trip [Jackson Jr.] sent us a little paragraph earlier. Me and Des responded and it pretty much was enough said. We already knew what we were going out there to do.” 

The players didn’t disclose the exact content of Jackson Jr.’s message, but Desmond Bane said it resonated with him and likely with Ja Morant as well.

“We’ve had a nice little group chat running all year long, and we’ve been able to pinball different things off each other,” Bane said of Jackson’s text message. “And I needed to hear it. I’m sure Ja needed to hear it, too, coming into this game. 

Bane continued, “Our response was, ‘Let’s march; let’s do it. Let’s put our best foot forward; let’s go do it. 

Neither player was ready for their season to end. 

Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 24 points, going 10-for-18 from the field and 4-for-5 on threes, while grabbing seven rebounds and dishing out four assists in 36 minutes.

Morant was a game-time decision due to a sprained ankle he suffered against Golden State on Tuesday. Despite the injury, he received two injections, constant treatment, and therapy to play and finished with 22 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, and three steals in 32 minutes.

Desmond Bane scored 22 points, dished out nine assists, grabbed five rebounds, and had two steals. Zach Edey notched his second straight double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, adding two blocks.

Scotty Pippen Jr. scored 13 points in his second straight start, while Santi Aldama contributed 11 points, four rebounds, and three assists as a reserve. 

Off the bench, John Konchar tallied five points, eight rebounds, and two assists, with a team-high +18, and Marvin Bagley III posted six points, five rebounds, and one block.

Up Next 

The Grizzlies will take on the juggernaut Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the NBA Playoffs. 

The Thunder went 4-0 against the Grizzlies in the regular season, winning by an average of 18.8 points per game.

Mark your calendars. Note: All times are Central.

Game 1: Sunday, April 20 | Grizzlies at OKC, 12:00 p.m. on ABC

Game 2:  Tuesday, April 22 | Grizzlies at OKC, 6:30 p.m. on TNT and FanDuel Sports Network 

Game 3:  Thursday, April 24 | OKC at Grizzlies, 8:30 p.m. on TNT and FanDuel Sports Network 

Game 4:  Saturday, April 26 | OKC at Grizzlies, 2:30 p.m on TNT and FanDuel Sports Network 

Game 5:  Monday, April 28 | Grizzlies at OKC, TBD (if necessary)

Game 6:  Thursday, May 1 | OKC at Grizzlies, TBD (if necessary)

Game 7:  Saturday, May 3 | Grizzlies at Jazz, TBD (if necessary)

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Post-Jenkins Era Begins with Loss to Lakers

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.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

The Grindfather’s Legacy Personified

Tony Allen and Zach Randolph prior to the Grizzlies vs. Miami Heat Game on Saturday, March 15, 2025. (Photo by: Sharon Brown)

When Future’s “Go Harder” erupted inside FedExForum midway through the first quarter on Saturday night, it served as a telltale sign that Tony Allen was somewhere in sight. 

As the camera panned to Allen in a suite with his family, the crowd erupted when he raised one finger in a symbolic nod to his “First Team,” mantra. 

The saying goes, “If you love Memphis, Memphis will love you back.” Allen, fondly known as “The Grindfather,” exemplifies that notion. After the 125-91 win over the Miami Heat, the Memphis Grizzlies honored their adopted son, retiring his iconic number 9 jersey to the FedExForum rafters, forever cementing his legacy in the city he loves.

Widely respected for his fierce and unrelenting defensive style, Allen is regarded as one of the premier defenders of his era in the NBA. After being drafted out of Oklahoma State by the Boston Celtics, Allen won an NBA championship before joining the Grizzlies as a free agent in 2010. His legacy, largely defined by his defensive prowess, earned him six All-Defensive team selections during his time with the Grizzlies.

While some may have raised eyebrows over the decision to retire Allen’s jersey, citing the lack of a championship or gaudy offensive statistics, his indelible mark on the team’s culture and tenacious approach to the game cannot be overstated. His influence extended far beyond the box score, significantly impacting the team’s winning ways both on and off the court.

Kendrick Lamar’s profound words echo the truth: “You can’t fake influence.” The phrase succinctly captures the genuine and lasting imprint Tony Allen has left on the Grizzlies franchise and the city itself.

During the ceremony, former Grizzlies and Chicago native Derrick Rose, Paul Pierce, Allen’s mentor and former Boston Celtics teammate, Zach Randolph, and Marc Gasol spoke affectionately about Allen, bringing him to tears. 

Also in attendance were former Coach Lionel Hollins, Rudy Gay, former GM Chris Wallace, Vince Carter, Beno Udrih, Quincy Pondexter, and Glynn Cyprien. 

An emotional Allen thanked his family, former coaches, teammates, and the passionate Grizz Nation for the honor they bestowed upon him. He was his authentic self throughout his speech. 

In one memorable moment Allen said of his time with Memphis, “We weren’t no glitz and glamour-y team.” You come in here, we might slap the shit out of you. See what I’m saying? That’s how we rocked.”

With self-deprecating humor, Allen poked fun at his own limited offensive skills, recalling how he was often instructed to simply stand in the corner and stay out of the way when the Grizzlies were on offense.

To conclude his more than 20 minute speech Allen said, “I thank y’all— that’s my speech. I’m ready to see that thang in the rafters.” 

As the jersey ascended, the energetic beats of Young Jeezy’s “Put On” blasted, and Allen celebrated the moment by dancing with his wife and children.

Reaction from Fans

“My favorite player will forever be Tony Allen,” said longtime fan Katee Forbis. “He’s been a great example to this city that our mistakes don’t have to define us and that being underestimated can be reframed into motivation for our success. Tony has meant the world to me — and as his self-proclaimed number one fan, he was always gracious and kind to me. There will never be another player exactly like Tony Allen. His passion and heart for the game are unmatched and that’s why Memphis will always love him.”

Memphis native and devoted Grizzlies fan, Tee Crawford, an Army veteran, has been cheering on the team since its arrival in the city. He wholeheartedly believes that Tony Allen’s jersey retirement is a well-deserved honor.

Crawford credits Zach Randolph and  Allen for elevating the team and city. He praised Allen’s toughness and defensive skills, which helped Mike Conley and Marc Gasol improve their defense, nearly leading to an NBA Finals appearance. Crawford also considers Allen essential to the team’s success during the Grit and Grind era.

“I really enjoyed the Tony Allen: The Grindfather documentary on YouTube,” said Crawford. It was inspirational to see all the issues that he encountered and overcame to make his dream of playing in the NBA come true. I love the fact he gives back to communities like the one he grew up in and also the fact that he loves Memphis and is an ambassador for the city.”

For Grizzlies season ticket holder Elizabeth Smith, Tony Allen played a crucial role in shaping the identity of Grizzlies basketball. She noted that before his arrival, the team was struggling to find its footing, and fans like herself were only casually invested in the team.

Smith recalled, “TA was an integral part of changing that when he laced up for the Grizz. He didn’t care about stats, highlights, or flashy plays — he cared about one thing: locking up the other team’s best player and making their night miserable. The moment he said ‘All Heart. Grit. Grind.’ in that postgame interview, he wasn’t just talking — he was setting the standard. That wasn’t just a catchphrase; it was the identity of our city, team, and fans who packed the Grindhouse. ‘First Team All-Defense’ wasn’t just a phrase he shouted on the court; it became a movement.”

Smith added: “That’s why we love him. He wasn’t just a player — he is one of us. He played with the same toughness, grit, and passion the city and Grizzlies fans take pride in. He never tried to be something he wasn’t. He just worked, and in doing that, he helped give Grizzlies fans like me something to believe in. The Grindfather helped make Memphis Grizzlies basketball matter. He made teams fear coming here. He made defense cool. He will always be First Team All-Defense in our hearts. Thanks, TA for helping Grizz fans believe we could rise to new heights – #GNG.” 

With tears, Malenda Meacham, aka Bongo Lady, recounted an emotional evening celebrating Allen’s jersey retirement. She praised Allen for embracing Memphis’ values of heart, grit, and grind, and feels the honor was long overdue. Meacham expressed her admiration for Allen’s lifelong dedication and proudly declared herself a loyal fan, or “ride or die,” since his arrival in Memphis.

“He means everything to this city and he deserves his flowers,” said Meacham. “I truly believe it was an honor of my lifetime to witness Tony Allen playing for the Memphis Grizzlies and then watching his jersey be retired. I have all the feels. Thank you, Tony Allen! Love, Bongo Lady and the entire city of Memphis.”

Corby Stokes, Sr., program coordinator of Heal901, a Memphis non-profit, praised Allen for his gritty and tenacious playing style, which resonated with the city of Memphis. Although he wasn’t a superstar, his heart and determination made him a beloved role player, embodying the city’s spirit of resilience and perseverance.

Stokes told the Flyer: “People can say a lot of bad things about this city, but some great people come here because of the struggles and things that they grew up with. And Tony (Allen) is another one of those people who’s cut from that same cloth, growing up in inner-city Chicago, which I’m sure relates a lot to Memphis. It relates a lot to Chicago, in which there are some of the social determinants of violence that’s going on. And he is taking the time and investing in our community, investing in our youth, and seeing what’s wrong and trying to be a part of the change.” 

Stokes went on:  “It just means so much to us that TA is working with us, because we look at all the youth in our city as our babies, not just our own individual children by blood, but the youth in general. And so when those who have come to our city and now call our city home, see that, and they put their hands to the plow and work along with us to try to correct those wrongs in this city is exciting and I am honored to be a part of it.”

Recently, Allen helped bring One City Basketball, a Chicago-based initiative founded by former Grizzlies player Joakim Noah to Memphis, partnering with organizations like Heal 901, Noah’s Arc Foundation, Memphis Allies, Cities United and Cure Violence.

Allen is just the third Grizzlies player to receive the honor of having his jersey retired, joining  Randolph and Gasol. 

“I want to share this with everybody,” Allen said. “I want this to not just be about me, but I want all of us to embrace this because I just think this is a dream come true.”

Allen and Memphis are a perfect union, and Saturday night’s celebration was a testament to the deep affection between the city and its adopted son. The evening was filled with a palpable sense of love and mutual admiration, as Memphis reciprocated Allen’s enduring devotion. All Heart, Grit and Grind, forever. 

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Blaze Past Heat

Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane shaking hands during the game against the Miami Heat on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at FedExForum (Photo by: Grant Burke/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies handed the Miami Heat their seventh consecutive loss, cruising to a 125-91 victory Saturday at FedExForum.

Rebounding from a disappointing loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, the Grizzlies surged ahead with a 21-9 second-quarter run, establishing a 63-48 halftime lead. Their momentum continued into the fourth quarter, where they expanded their advantage to as many as 32 points with 10:51 remaining.

Memphis shot an impressive 55% from the field and dominated the paint, scoring a season-high-allowed 72 points against the Heat. This marked the most points in the paint conceded by the Heat since 2008, when they allowed 76. 

The Grizzlies moved to 24-10 when recording 60+ paint points.

Following the convincing win, Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins expressed pride in his team’s well-rounded performance.

He said, “I told the guys afterwards, this is the urgency we have to play with on both sides of the floor, not just defensively. I thought we executed our game plan for the most part, really, really well. Guys were active, they were disciplined. And then I thought our quick decision making was there on the offensive side, we played with a little bit of pace, ball movement, and multiple guys with multiple assists. Definitely an impressive win.”

Jenkins added, “The bench guys coming in, Scotty (Pippen Jr.giving us a boost — Lamar (Stevens) gave us a boost. BC, (Brandon Clarke) Cam (Spencer) those guys did a phenomenal job.” 

“Obviously, Des (Desmond Bane) was high level, almost a triple double,” Jenkins continued. “I thought he set a tone, with his defensive rebounding, defensive activity. And obviously it’s unselfish play-making on top of his scoring. So definitely the version that we’re going to need more consistently. And the challenge is can we take it on the road for the longest road trip of the season.”

The Grizzlies were without Ja Morant due to shoulder soreness on a second night of a back-to-back. 

Following the Grizzlies’ loss to Cleveland on Friday, Jaren Jackson Jr., who is working his way back from an ankle injury indicated that it would likely take a few games for him to get back to form. 

Just one day later, Jackson Jr. turned in a resounding performance, leading the Grizzlies with 31 points on an impressive 72.2% shooting (13-of-18), to go along with six rebounds and two blocked shots.

Bane stated that Jackson Jr.’s strong work ethic allows him to bounce back so quickly.

After a disappointing showing against the Cavaliers, Bane delivered a standout effort, falling just shy of a triple-double with 22 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, and two steals, while connecting on 4-of-5 three-point attempts.

Bane downplayed his poor outing on Friday, saying “it’s basketball” expressing confidence in his work and that he made no adjustments. 

Up Next

Memphis is set to begin a five-game road swing, visiting Sacramento, Portland, the LA Clippers, Utah, and Oklahoma City from March 17 to 27.

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Uncategorized

Grizzlies Win Fourth Straight Game

Luke Kennard handing the ball against the Utah Jazz on March 12, 2025 at FedExForum (Photo by: Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies invoked the “Call 12” mantra (Ja Morant) while joining forces with Memphis-10 (Luke Kennard to seal a thrilling 122-115 victory over the Utah Jazz Wednesday night, stretching their winning streak to four games.

At the half, Memphis was up by 14 points but Utah came storming back to make it a contest in the second half. 

Collin Sexton converted on a jumper to put the Jazz ahead 115-114 with 1:16 remaining, but the Grizzlies swiftly regained the lead as Luke Kennard drained a crucial three-pointer. Morant then delivered the finishing blow, knocking down another three to extend the Grizzlies’ advantage to 120-115 with only 12 seconds left.

Memphis converted 20-of-44 from beyond the arc (.455), including 7-of-10 in the fourth quarter. 

Kennard led the Grizzlies with career-high tying 30 points on 11 of 14 from the field including 7 of 9 from three. After the game, he talked about the importance of being aggressive — more active on both ends of the court, focusing on rebounding, creating deflections, and finding his rhythm early in the game.

Morant’s 28-point, seven-assist performance helped Memphis improve its season record to 42-24.

The All-Star guard acknowledged that the game against the Jazz wasn’t easy, despite their record. He emphasized that every NBA player deserves respect, and that the Jazz players came to play hard. Morant noted that his team had to lock in and stay focused after the Jazz cut into their lead, before ultimately securing the win.

Desmond Bane provided a strong all-around effort with 17 points, nine assists, and five rebounds, while Scotty Pippen Jr. delivered a boost off the bench, contributing 11 points, six assists, and a team-high four steals.

Roster News

The Grizzlies announced that forward Lamar Stevens was signed for the remainder of the season. The 27-year-old has been helping off the bench and scored a season-high 13 points, including a career-high four 3-pointers, in a win on March 10 vs Phoenix. 

Up Next 

The Grizzlies face a formidable challenge as they host the league-leading Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, March 15, with tip-off scheduled for 7 pm at FedExForum. Cleveland currently is on a 15-game winning streak. 

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Morant, Bane Propel Grizzlies to Win Over Pelicans

Ja Morant goes up for a shot during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 9, 2025. (Photo by: Layne Murdock Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies edged out the undermanned New Orleans Pelicans 107-104 in a closely contested matchup Sunday night.

The Grizzlies are gaining momentum, having won two consecutive games after a dismal 1-4 performance on their recent 5-game homestand. The slump caused them to drop from second to fourth seed in the Western Conference.

Memphis dominated on the glass against New Orleans, grabbing 57 rebounds and scoring 24 second-chance points versus New Orleans’ 39 rebounds and 11 second-chance points.

The Grizzlies faced a 65-57 halftime deficit after surrendering 37 points in the second quarter. However, they regrouped and limited the Pelicans to just 15 points in the third quarter, seizing an 89-79 advantage heading into the final period.

Ja Morant had a standout performance, leading Memphis with 32 points to go along with six assists, four rebounds, and three steals. Morant has now scored 30-plus points in his last two games. His season average is 21.2 points per game.

In a post-game interview with FanDuel Sports Network’s Rob Fischer, Ja Morant noted that despite the win, there are still areas where his team needs to improve.

 “Just came out with more energy,” Morant said of the third quarter difference. “We just once again man — our first half, we just be giving up easy baskets, not really engaged, locked in defensively, and then it takes a little wake up call, which is unacceptable for us. We got to be locked in as soon as the ball goes up in the air and so we won’t be in situations like this.”

Morant also acknowledged a slight improvement in the team’s defense, but emphasized that there is still significant room for growth and that they cannot be satisfied with their defensive performance over the last two games.

Desmond Bane put on a show, falling just shy of a triple-double with 30 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, and two steals, as Memphis improved  to 40-24 on the season. 

Morant sang the praises of his backcourt partner, Bane.

“Very impressive — but I know the work he put in. I know the situations and the talks we have with each other. He’s built for it. And he’s showing it, night in and night out, as you saw tonight. 

Morant continued, “He filled up the stat sheet. I think it was a couple off, triple-double again and that’s big-time play for us, a will to win. We have a guy like that.part of leading the charge and everybody else follows. So we just got to continue to keep grinding, keep going, keep getting better and just play hard.”

Off the bench Scotty Pippen Jr. added 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. 

The Grizzlies will host the Phoenix Suns Monday night at FedExForum, kicking off a four-game homestand. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CT.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Rebounding Woes Haunt Memphis in ‘The Land’

Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, February 23, 2025. (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

The stage was set for a thrilling showdown on Sunday night, and the league-leading Cleveland Cavaliers and Memphis Grizzlies delivered, engaging in a back-and-forth battle that ultimately saw the Cavaliers emerge victorious, 129-123.

The Cavaliers dominated the glass, out-rebounding the Grizzlies 57-37, including a staggering 22 offensive rebounds. This significant advantage led to 31 second-chance points, with 12 of those coming in the pivotal fourth quarter. To date, Cleveland has only lost four games at home this season. 

The game saw 11 lead changes and was tied up eight times, highlighting the intense competitive nature of the matchup.

Grizzlies Coach Taylor Jenkins said that the team’s inability to limit Cleveland’s 22 offensive rebounds was a crucial factor in the loss. He noted that while Jarrett Allen had a few, it was a collective effort by the Cavaliers’ guards that hurt them. Jenkins added that he was proud of his team’s overall performance, acknowledging that they played exceptionally well in many areas against a top-ranked opponent: “Going against one of the best teams, if not the best team, in the league, and have that offensive performance. We scored 123 against the elite defense that they are.”

“You can’t give a team 31 freebies, second-chance points,” Jenkins continued. “We just didn’t have it, and that’s gonna be something we absolutely have to address. We have to own even more, because that can’t be an Achilles heel thing for us if we want to get where we want to get to.”

Jaren Jackson Jr. kept the Grizzlies in contention, pouring in a team-high 22 points in just 25 minutes of action. Foul trouble may have limited his playing time, but it couldn’t contain his fourth quarter dominance as evidenced by his 12-point outburst. Jackson Jr. also had four assists, three rebounds, two steals, and a blocked shot. 

Ja Morant turned in a strong  performance, contributing 21 points and 10 assists, although ultimately his team fell short, dropping to a 37-20 record. 

On the season, Morant is averaging 20.5 points, 7.4 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. 

Luke Kennard made the most of his limited court time off the bench, delivering a productive 24-minute outing in which he scored 19 points on impressive 6-of-8 shooting from the field and 3-of-5 from three-point range.

“I think the biggest thing for us was physicality, giving up a lot of offensive rebounds,” said Kennard after the game. “When you give up that many offensive rebounds to a really good team, they’ll make you pay for it. So we know that was the game for us. But yeah, we battled. We fought to the very end, and we gave ourselves a chance, just missed a couple shots, but we could definitely learn a lot from this.”

Up Next 

The Grizzlies are set to kick off a crucial five-game homestand, with their first challenge coming against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, February 25, at 7:00 pm CT. Memphis is 21-6 on its home floor. 

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Grizzlies Erupt in Second Half, Down Spurs

Ja Morant goes up for a bucket during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on January 15, 2025. (Photo by: Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies delivered a dominant second-half performance, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 129-115 on Wednesday at Frost Bank Center. 

Memphis’ high-powered offense, which averages a league-leading 122.9 points per game, was on full display after a dismal first-half. The Grizzlies also demonstrated their rebounding prowess; they are the second-ranked team in the league with a little over 48 rebounds per game.

It was a tale of two halves, indeed!  The Grizzlies trailed 63-51 at halftime but staged an impressive comeback, outscoring San Antonio 78-52 in the second half. The turnaround was sparked by a dominant 43-point third quarter, setting the stage for a much needed win. 

Ja Morant had a stellar performance, scoring 21 points, dishing out 12 assists, grabbing four rebounds, and making two steals, all while shooting an impressive 9/13 from the field.

Desmond Bane also delivered a good  performance, scoring 21 points on 8/13 shooting, while also contributing three rebounds and two steals. Notably, he scored 16 of his 21 points in the second half, playing a crucial role in the Memphis victory, which improved their record to 26-15 on the season.

Memphis’ bench was instrumental, outscoring the Spurs’ bench 57-37. Santi Aldama led the reserves with 20 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 9/15 from the field. Luke Kennard chipped in with 15 points and nine rebounds, while Jay Huff added 11 points. The Grizzlies’ bench depth and versatility played a crucial role in the victory.

Jaren Jackson Jr. had a rough start, shooting 2-for-11 in the first half, and to make matters worse he had to sit most of the 3rd quarter after picking up his fourth personal foul. However, he turned things around in the fourth quarter, scoring 14 of his 19 points, grabbing six rebounds, and issuing two blocks. The performance was a testament to Jackson’s ability to bounce back from a tough start and make an impact on the game.

Turnovers have been an issue for Memphis all season long, but not Wednesday night. The Grizzlies committed just eight for the game. They had six turnovers before halftime, followed by just two in the third quarter, and remarkably, none in the fourth. They didn’t allow the Spurs to capitalize on any turnovers in the second half.

The Dunk That Was

Morant’s poster dunk on Victor Wembanyama was an incredible moment. Even if it didn’t count towards the final score, it counted for entertainment purposes.The dunk, which happened after a whistle blew, had everyone going wild. 

Take a look: 

The dunk has been making waves online, with some even calling it the “dunk of the year.” Morant’s ability to make highlight-reel plays is one reason why he’s considered “must-see TV” whenever he’s on the court.

Up Next 

The Grizzlies will wrap up their two-game series against the Spurs in San Antonio, and their four-game road trip on Friday, January 17, with a tip-off time of 8:30 p.m. CT.¹