The early-season struggle continues for the shorthanded Memphis Grizzlies. Final: Washington-113, Memphis-106
The Grizzlies took a trip Saturday to our nation’s capital, where they faced off against the Washington Wizards in their first road game of the season, on the heels of losing the previous night to the reigning champion Denver Nuggets.
Led by Jordan Poole and former Grizzly Tyus Jones, the Wizards outplayed the Grizzlies three quarters out of four, and the Grizzlies moved to 0-3 to start their season, losing their third straight game.
Down by as many as 25 points, the Grizzlies did manage to cut the lead to single digits late in the fourth quarter but could not overcome their sloppy ballhandling and lackluster shooting in the first half.
Nothing will be easy for this Grizzlies team, which is without its star point guard Ja Morant for 25 games and without presumptive starting center Steven Adams for the entire season. The team will likely continue to struggle while it develops chemistry and the new additions adapt to the style of play.
Desmond Bane led the team with 26 points on 10 of 20 overall shooting.
Ziaire Williams put up his first career double-double, with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Jaren Jackson Jr finished the night with 16 points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block.
Marcus Smart had nine points, four points, and six assists while shooting four of eight overall.
David Roddy led the second unit with 14 points and six rebounds while shooting three of four from beyond the three-point line.
Who Got Next?
The Grizzlies return home to FedExForum to face off against Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, October 30th. Tip-off is at 7 PM CDT.
