Memphis Grizzlies complete historic comeback against San Antonio Spurs

What a weird way to spend a Friday night.

It wasn’t pretty for the start of the game. Actually, it was probably the worst half of Grizzlies basketball all season. But once the second half hit, the Memphis Grizzlies woke up and found a way to make the game more competitive than it was for the first half. The Spurs imploded, the Grizzlies hung around, and forced overtime.

Some takeaways from a contest where the Memphis Grizzlies made history. Largest comeback win in franchise history. Largest comeback in the NBA this season.

Phew. Fun. Weird, but fun.

Perimeter defense remains a concern

The Memphis Grizzlies allowed a San Antonio Spurs team that was 18-51 entering the game and shooting 34.5% from three (24th in the NBA) to completely lose their minds from beyond the arc. At one point the Spurs were shooting 50% from beyond the arc at 16-32 (they cooled as the game went on and as Memphis picked up the intensity on that end of the floor). The Spurs did a lot of their damage from three in the first half, scoring 69 points through the game’s first two quarters. Memphis was overhelping left and right, leaving open shooters for San Antonio – and the Spurs took advantage.

These things happen way too often to the Memphis Grizzlies. And it has little to do with the three rotation players currently out for the team. Ja Morant, Brandon Clarke, Steven Adams…none of those names are solving this issue. Grizzlies Head Coach Taylor Jenkins needs to be more willing to tweak not just rotations, as he did in this game, but scheme as well. It’s one thing to prioritize protecting the paint. But the three point shot is coming way too easily, way too often, for Memphis opponents.

Sure, the Grizzlies won. But perimeter defense was a major reason it was such a battle to begin with.

Kenneth Lofton Jr. and Luke Kennard thrive

Fans have been calling for Kenneth Lofton Jr. for much of the season to see some run. And this very blog (in particular our Site Manager Parker Fleming) has been calling for more opportunities for Luke Kennard. Both of these players saw larger roles than usual in the second half, and both took advantage.

It wasn’t perfect. Luke Kennard had some…tough…defensive possessions.

But he also had some strong ones. And made multiple threes – again – including key shots when Memphis needed offense most in the 4th quarter. Offense that this team has to have in the mix every game. Kenneth Lofton Jr. also isn’t without flaws defensively, but his offensive energy and work on the glass was welcome as the Grizzlies clawed back in the game in the 3rd quarter.

Luke Kennard will continue to play, because the Grizzlies need him to. He provides something no one else on the roster except Desmond Bane can – elite three point shooting. As he gets comfortable in scheme, especially defensively, there will hopefully be growth there. Kenneth Lofton Jr. continuing to be the mix remains to be seen, but if he does consistently what he did in this game? He should see more minutes.

Others will get the headlines. But make no mistake – without Lofton Jr. and Kennard, the Grizzlies lose this game.

Quick hits

• Jaren Jackson Jr. remains a problem. The San Antonio Spurs were not able to defend him. Efficient scoring, coupled with elite defense, is a deadly combination. When Jaren logs minutes like this, he is one of the best players in the NBA. He has risen to the moment with Ja Morant out.
• Tough times for Roddy and Aldama continue. Part of the reason Lofton Jr. saw run was this reality – Aldama and Roddy were a combined 2-12 in the contest. They struggled on defense as well – especially Aldama, who often lost shooters and missed rotations that impacted those overhelping woes. This too shall pass – NBA seasons are full of ebbs and flows. But there’s no denying the hot streaks of both players have cooled considerably.
• Tyus Jones logged a career-first triple-double. Another tremendous start for Tyus. The steady hand with Morant out kept those vibes going – hopefully when Ja is back that trend will continue as he transitions back to a reserve role in the next week.

The Memphis Grizzlies are right back in action Saturday night at home in FedExForum against the Golden State Warriors.