Colin Rafferty –
They did it, they really went out there and did it! A 118-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. The Grizz are now 1-1 this year in the NBA Cup.
An all-around good game by the Grizzlies and the fans. It probably should have been a higher scoring affair for the Grizz, but all in all a win is a win. Al Davis would be proud.
The Mavericks scored an abysmal 51 points to the Grizzlies 74 at the half. They had defense turning into offense and what looked like a livelier bunch than the past few nights.
I also noticed that the rotations were not as massive and seemed a little bit better within the feel for the game. It wasn’t perfect but it looked better.
John Konchar getting minutes is also something that was lacking and with guys out with injury he is a solid, known commodity so use him. The team trusts him.
Photo Credits: Wes Hale, Getty Images
The Grizz led in three-point %, assists, and steals. The Mav’s had a rough night from three, shooting 25.6% (10-39). The Grizz were able to hold them off when they made a late push and the defense was in a auto-pilot mode.
Ja Morant scored 21 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and dished out 13 assists, while adding 3 steals. He was all over the court, inside and out, hitting shots and creating for everyone around him.
Had a few plays went their way Ja would’ve had somewhere around 17 assists. Cedric Coward added 21 pts, 9 reb, and 4 assists further proving that he needs to be on the floor and get minutes at every opportunity.
For all the chatter about coaching and disgruntled players, the team seemed to be more talkative with Toumas Iisalo, occasionally having a back and forth to either point out something or make an adjustment.
Photo Credits: Wes Hale, Getty Images
It’s nothing huge, but the fact they won and did it will an all hands on-deck approach helped Memphians sleep well last night, even if the Tigers were unable to pull out the win against Tulane.
Despite shooting poorly for the beginning of the season Jaylen Wells looked more fluid and comfortable shooting. He didn’t have a stellar night, but he looked better. Maybe that was because he took some 500 shots after the loss on Wednesday to try and find that rhythm again.
Jaren Jackson Jr. posted 17 pts and 4 rebounds, not a great game but he did hit some crucial three’s when the Grizz needed them.
Santi Aldama, Cam Spencer, Jock Landale, and KCP all had double digit point nights, helping the Grizz maintain control throughout the game.
The fans, the city, and the team needed that win. It felt good. The Grizz just need to pile a few more wins while they wait the return of Zach Edey.
Which should be in the next few games.
The Grizz will be back in action for one last home game before hitting the road for 4 games.
The reigning NBA Champions, Oklahoma City Thunder will in town for a 5:00 pm CST tip on Sunday.
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