Quick Recap: Grizzlies Rally, Handle Clippers

Despite finding themselves down 20 early, Memphis would rally splitting the two games against Los Angeles at FedEx Forum. Riding a game high 22 points from Desmond Bane and Luke Kennard’s 17 points off the bench, the Grizzlies would ultimately beat the Clippers by 14, as they ready themselves to face the Chicago Bulls this Sunday.

First Quarter

After missing the first contest, Kawhi Leonard made sure the Grizzlies felt his presence early accounting for 5 points in the first two minutes of regulation. Turnovers also plagued Memphis, to the tune of 3 in the first 4 minutes, so they quickly found themselves in a 12-4 hole. Jaren Jackson Jr. would single-handedly keep the Grizzlies in the game scoring the team’s first 7 points, but would find his minutes limited due to two early fouls. In general, the whistle would not be in the Grizzlies favor (9 personal fouls as a team in the quarter). Some bully ball by Santi Aldama would cut the deficit to 13, but the Grizzlies would regardless close the quarter trailing. Los Angeles 34, Memphis 21.

Second Quarter

Memphis would use three ‘Cool Hand’ Luke Kennard treys early in the quarter to cut their deficit to 2, before Xavier Tillman scored off his sixth board of the game to tie the game at 38 a piece. The Grizzlies’ bench would outscore the Clippers 19 to 11 halfway through the quarter, and they would use this to take their first lead of the game 40-38. ‘Big Body’ David Roddy would add to both totals with an absolute monster throw down. All in all, LA would have little to no answer for the lineup of Desmond Bane/Kennard/Tillman/Roddy/Tyus Jones; Memphis would use this unit to fuel their turnaround. They would outscore LA 34 to 17 in the quarter, and enter the half with the lead. Memphis 55, Los Angeles 51.

Third Quarter

The Grizzlies would take advantage of the Clippers having Leonard on their bench coming out of the half and add a quick 5 points to their lead. LA would answer with a Terrance Mann three to avoid getting completely buried. ‘Downhill’ Des would keep the Grizzlies in the game powering through Norman Powell for a bucket, straight up committing burglary against Ivica Zubac stealing the ball from the big man, and sinking a three to push Memphis’ lead to 10 (their largest lead of the game). JJJ would get back to his blocking ways as well, swatting away three balls in the quarter. Again, the Grizzlies reserves would win their minutes, get the team their largest lead, and carry said lead into the fourth. Memphis 86, Los Angeles 72.

Fourth Quarter

Memphis would start the quarter with a Kennard three and push their lead to 15. This was followed by a spectacular scoop and score that led to an and-one from Bane to push the lead even further. In fact, the Grizzlies’ lineup of Bane/Jones/Kennard/Tillman/Roddy continued to be a problem the Clippers simply had no answer for; they would use these minutes to push their lead to 22. With 9 minutes left to go in the game, Ty Lue would actually send in the tail end of LA’s bench. Despite having a relatively quiet game, Ja Morant would still get to double figures in the quarter as well. The Grizzlies would have 6 players in double figures in Morant, Bane, Dillon Brooks, Tillman, Kennard, and Aldama and go on to beat the Clippers by 14. Memphis 108, Los Angeles 94.