Bane and Morant erupt as the Grizzlies win third straight

The Memphis Grizzlies traveled to Atlanta looking to win three straight games for the first time this season against Trae Young and the Hawks. Early on it was the trio of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane who scored 17 of the first 20 points of the game for the Grizzlies. But, the Hawks came out hot as well and took an early lead behind 10 first quarter points from Dejounte Murray. At the end of one, the Hawks led by seven.

The second quarter has been a struggle all season for the Grizzlies, coming into tonight’s game they were a league worst -148 (-5.5 per game) in the quarter. However, the Grizzlies came out strong and tied the game back up at 41-41. Then, the Grizzlies went cold from the floor and allowed the Hawks to close the quarter on a 19-9 run.

At halftime, the Grizzlies trailed by 10 despite a game-high 16 points from Morant. Jackson added 10 points as well, but Bane was an uncharacteristic 0-5 from three at the half. On the other hand, the Hawks had three players in double figures (Young, Murray, Capela) and turned the ball over just five times compared to 10 for the Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies needed a spark offensive coming and it was Bane who provided it in the 3rd. After struggling in the 1st, Bane scored 18 points in the third quarter and did it in multiple ways. His best play came early in the third when he made Garrison Matthew’s touch the floor with a dribble move in transition. Heading into the 4th, the Grizzlies had closed the gap and trailed by just three.

The fourth quarter was a back and forth affair with both Morant and Young orchestrating offense at high efficiency. Both players would finish with 30 point double-doubles and delivered down the stretch. Morant even contributed on the defensive end with one of the most athletic blocks you will see this year.

However, it was the play of Bane next to Morant down the stretch that won the game for the Grizzlies. Bane would finish with 37 points (31 in the second half) as the Grizzlies get out of Atlanta with a 125-119 win, securing a 3-game win streak for the first time this season.

The Ja Morant effect and the Grizzlies Big 3

Everyone knew that adding Morant to the Grizzlies lineup would help, but the team has looked completely different since his return. What was the league’s worst offense has been revitalized with his scoring and playmaking. On top of that, it has also allowed Jackson and Bane to play in their traditional roles offensively. The trio have each scored 20+ points in every game since Morant’s return. This stretch has proved just how dangerous the much improved trio can be on the floor together.

 Trae Young makes history

Tonight’s game was Trae Young’s seventh straight with 30+ points and 10+ assists, tying Oscar Robertson’s record. But, the Grizzlies made him work for it. Young struggled to shoot the ball early on as the Grizzlies threw taller defenders in Vince Williams Jr. and Ziaire Williams on him. He was able to get the record on a late three, but finished 11-24 from the floor and 3-10 from three which the Grizzlies were able to live with.

Getting back on track

The odds are against the Grizzlies when it comes to the postseason, but looking at the way they have played since Morant’s return there is no doubt they have a chance. If they can continue to play at this level there’s is no doubt they are one of the better teams in the NBA. Three straight wins for the first time this season is a step in the right direction as the Grizzlies fight to get back into the picture.