The Grizzlies came back to FedEx Forum looking to extend their win streak to three against the young, talented Orlando Magic. It was a back-and-forth affair coming down to the very last possession, but the Grizzlies were able to escape with a 107-106 win.
Memphis came out on fire from behind the arc getting out to an early nine point lead. However, it did not last long as the Magic quickly tied the game up behind 10 early points from Paolo Banchero before he was forced to sit after 3 fouls. At the end of one, the game was tied at 31.
The 2nd quarter has been a huge issue for the Grizzlies this year, coming into tonight’s game they were a league worst -162 in the quarter for the season. Tonight they were able to flip the script, winning the quarter 37-29 behind 6-10 shooting from three, and more great play from Jaren Jackson Jr.
The Grizzlies took a 9 point lead into halftime behind a game-high 18 points from Jackson Jr. Three other Grizzlies (Luke Kennard, Vince Williams Jr., and Ziaire Williams) were also in double figures—12, 11, and 10 respectively. Memphis won the three point battle as well making 12-22 compared to just 4-17 from the Magic.
The Magic started the 3rd quarter on a 10-2 run, but the Grizzlies were able to respond with some great defense. Memphis forced five turnovers and held Orlando to 25 points on 40% shooting in the quarter. Heading into the final quarter the Grizzlies held a six point lead.
To start the fourth quarter, it was Ziaire Williams who made a huge impact with both his scoring and playmaking. However, the depth of the Magic kept them in the game with six different players scoring 10+ points led by 27 from Banchero and 20 from Wendell Carter Jr. Orlando came all the way back and trailed by one with just 4.7 seconds left, but Joe Ingles missed a really good look from behind the arc and the Grizzlies escape with a one point win.
Bounce back game for Jaren
After struggling against Miami, Jaren Jackson Jr. responded with a 30 point, 8 rebound performance. Early on it was clear that the Magic could not stop him on the interior as he continued to attack the rim. His ability to put the ball on the floor and finish through contact was on full display and Orlando’s defense could not stop it. The Grizzlies continued to go to Jaren down the stretch and he delivered when it mattered most.
When Jaren is aggressive, the Grizzlies are still a tough team to deal with despite injuries to other players. Teams are throwing everything at him defensively and he’s continued to fight and get his team some much needed wins. If there has been one positive from this season it’s been his continued development into a top big man in the NBA today.
Huge night for Ziaire Williams
Ziaire Williams has had a lot of struggling this season. He’s had his flashes but consistency has been the main issue. Tonight, he looked like the player the Grizzlies envisioned when they used the 10th overall pick on him in 2021. Williams had 17 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals off the bench in one of his most impressive outings of the season.
Sharing the ball and letting it fly
For the third game in a row, the Grizzlies reached the 30 assist mark as a team. The most impressive part is that it’s come from a variety of players, tonight there were four different Grizzlies with 4+ assists. Their assist number correlating with their best stretch of basketball this season proves that the offensive schemes are working after all.
The three point shot has also been a huge weapon for the Grizzlies over the last few weeks. Missing a lot of their offense, the three point shot has been a good way for the team to overcome their shortcomings on that end. The Grizzlies made 15 threes tonight, led by 5 from Kennard in his return from a one game absence. The increased ball and player movement offensively has led to the Grizzlies getting more assisted threes than ever before.