Raptors Recap + Pistons Preview

Colin Rafferty –

Well being without the star starting point guard presented problems for the Grzzlies as they drop the game across the border 117-104.

Even though the final score was a 13 point difference, the Grizzlies did show some fight in the 3rd quarter when they were down by 16; clawing back to being only down by 6.

Many teams would’ve laid down and let the game just go, but not this group. Albeit it wasn’t an awesome performance, they didn’t give in and that’s a good start.

Jaren Jackson Jr. led the team with 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists. The Grizzlies bench helped out with Santi Aldama scoring 15 pts, Cedric Coward had 12 pts, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, and Vince Williams Jr. had 14 pts.

As each game goes on, the more and more I love watching Cedric Coward don the Grizzlies jersey. He plays with intensity, he doesn’t give up, and when he makes a mistake he typically won’t do it again.

Whoever the scouting department for the Grizz is, needs a raise, hell triple it.

Ultimately the Raptors had 4 starters with double digit points; led by RJ Barrett’s 27 pts, 6 reb, 6 assists night. The Grizz had no answer for Scottie Barnes who used his size and athleticism to post 19 pts, 12 reb, and 8 assists.

Second chance points, poor rebounding, and overall a game that just wasn’t in the cards. Easy to flush in the NBA as the Grizzlies are back in action tonight against the Detroit Pistons.

The Pistons are a good young team that should bring some problems for the banged up Grizzlies.

Good news is that Ja Morant will be back in the lineup after serving his one game suspension. On Instagram Reels last night Ja posted a picture with a sign that read “Let’s Go Grizz.”

An encouraging post for Grizz fans, who for the last couple of days, have speculated on what will happen moving forward with the coach and their young star.

For those thinking, or even saying outloud that the Grizzlies should get rid of him and get something in return. STOP. There is zero reason to think that the man who calls Memphis “Home” on more than one occasion, when asked about what does Memphis mean to him, that they would want to get rid of him.

He wants to be here, he wants to win, and emotions ran high on Halloween. I think it could be important to the make up of the team to have a coach be willling to call out his star and his star take his lumps and we all move on.

The 4th place Eastern Conference team comes into Memphis with a 4-2 record, coming off a win against Dallas last night 122-110. Former Memphis Tigers standout Jalen Duren was the key in the game as he had 33 pts and 10 rebounds.

This team is big and fast so the Grizz should look to be on a defensive rope early and limit the amount of second chance opportunities the Pistons try to create.

I expect to see a big game out of Ja tonight, maybe its wishful thinking but I am looking for a big night and win that has the city smiling. Maybe a few “Call 12” moments, a floater or two and Pete saying “hammer, nail, coffin, this baby is over.”

It’s Monday night, Ja comes back, go out an show the man the love he deserves.

It’s ‘Hustle Night’ in FedEx Forum so lets see some tonight!

Tip off is at 7 pm CST at FedEx Forum.