Quick Recap: Hornets Sting Grizzlies 115-106

In a clash between 2 struggling teams, the Grizzlies on a 7 game skid and the Hornets on a 10, the Grizzlies came in as a 5.5 point favorite to win on the road. The Grizzlies had every opportunity to end their streak, despite Jaren playing with the Memphis Hustle once again. The Hornets, paced by Miles Bridges’ 25, shot 58% from the field and 52% from 3 to win the game in front of their home crowd 115-106.

The new look Hornets, who added several pieces in deadline trades came in with fresh legs and wore down the Grizzlies late. Grant Williams, a surprising late add poured in 15, including 3-6 from deep, lead the Hornets’ bench to an impressive performance to down the Grizzlies.

First Quarter

Vince Williams Jr got the scoring started early with the first bucket of the game from deep and the Grizzlies seemed to be in control from the start. The Grizzlies tried to impose their will early but it didn’t last as the Hornets battled back. Derrick Rose looked the healthiest he has this season, with that quick step being back leading to 5 first quarter points and efficient ball movement. Jaren Jackson Jr, scoring 9 of his 29 in the first, was aggressive from the tip, a trend Grizz faithful love to see. Jaren looked the part of a superstar, getting in the lane to lead the Grizzlies to a 3 point lead at the end of the first quarter. Brandon Miller continued on his heater, averaging 26.0 over the last 7 games, totaling 10 points in the first on 100% shooting from the field. The Hornets shot 52.6% from the field while the Grizzlies only shot 45.8%. The highlight for the first was the Grizzlies ball movement, as they finished with 9 1st quarter assists.

Second Quarter

Jaren picked up where he left off in the first, pacing the Grizzlies in the second quarter before picking up his second foul and taking a seat next to the coaching staff. The second frame, much like the first, was a back and forth affair with Gilly hitting a big 3 to put the road team up 3 when Charlotte took a timeout with 7:15 left in the first half. The Grizzlies continued moving the ball at a high rate, with 14 assists on 16 buckets at time of the timeout but the Hornets kept hanging around. The home team took their first lead at 43-42 and never looked back. Brandon Miller continued scoring at a high rate leading all scorers with 12 and the savvy vet Grant Williams flexed off the bench, adding 9 points before the break. The Hornets took a 9 point lead in the half, but GG hit the gas to cut it down from 11 before the clock hit all zeros.

Third Quarter

The second half opened up much how the first ended, with the Hornets imposing their will on their home court. This time, Miles Bridges heated up for the home time, and lead the Hornets with 9 in the third frame. The Grizzliesm who cut the lead back down to single digits with a big Jaren bucket, never had an answer for the new look Hornets. Jaren lead both teams with 26 in at the end of the third frame and had a massive offensive explosion, but he could not do it all himself as the Hornets lead by 9 once again after 3.

Derrick Rose once again paced the bench with 10 at the end of the quarter but GG was heating up for a big final frame. The Grizzlies seemed to be piecing it together for a late run but would Jaren and the Hustle be able to do enough to sneak out a road win?

Fourth Quarter

Turns out, the answer would be no. Despite Jaren notching his 7th straight game with 20+, finishing with a game high 29 and a stretch where he scored 10 straight for the Grizz, it wasn’t enough to overcome Miles Bridges monster second half.

After scoring just 6 in the first half, the embattled Bridges scored 19 in the second half to pace the Hornets with 25 points. GG Jackson continued to show tremendous growth off the bench, finished with 16 points on 50% shooting from the field, including a big eurostep and smooth finger roll.

All was for naught though as the Hornets came out a winner on their home court 115-106. The Grizzlies’ losing streak continued to 9, the longest under Klienman and coach Taylor Jenkins, but there were some highlights. Grizzlies fans may be sick of looking for the silver lining every night, but in this stretch it is all we have. Jaren continued to shine without his running mates in the starting lineup. Aggressive Jaren is the only thing keeping the Grizz in these games, as he continues his offensive hot streak. GG Jackson’s growth continues to be impressive off the bench. Just 2 days removed from a 27 point onslaught against Chicago, the rookie from South Carolina lead the Memphis bench with points once again.

The lack of a true center was obvious again tonight, a problem to be addressed this summer, as the Grizz were out rebounded 43-32. The Hornets imposed their will in the paint and the road team couldn’t find a stop late in the fourth. Any small run Memphis found, was soon negative by a Charlotte slam or big bucket inside. The young Grizzlies struggled to keep pace with the veteran loaded team and once again ran out of gas. Another winnable game slipped through the crack late and the Memphis faithful went to bed disappointed once again.

The Grizzlies take on New Orleans at home in their next game on Monday 2/12 at 7 pm.