Quick Recap: Grizzlies win Seventh Straight Against Magic

The Memphis Grizzlies would win their seventh-straight Tuesday night against the Orlando Magic. Despite Ja Morant missing the game, the team would continue their winning ways despite some late game heroics from the Magic. It’s exactly the type of performance you want to see to start a three-game home stretch, especially with the playoffs so soon on the horizon.

First Quarter

The Grizzlies started the game as if shot out of a cannon. They had eight assists in the quarter, twenty points in the paint, and contributed to six Magic turnovers. Jaren Jackson Jr. would continue his monstrous season, accounting for 9 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks in the quarter. “Cool Hand” Luke Kennard would also continue his streak from deep; two made threes for 8 total points in the quarter. The Grizzlies would close the quarter on a 25-5 run, while shooting 54.2% from the field in the period. At the end of the first quarter the score would be Memphis 32, Orlando 15.

Second Quarter

Memphis would carry over their run from the previous quarter, starting 31-7. Between Santi Aldama, and the aforementioned Kennard, the Grizzlies would get quality contributions from their bench. Santi would catch fire with a beautiful catch and shoot three, followed by a slam after snagging his own rebound. Kennard drained two more threes as well; for those keeping track at home he’s made his last 12 attempts from deep at home. Memphis would active on defense (8 steals in the half) throughout the quarter never letting up on their lead. That being said, foul trouble would rear its ugly head and limit Jaren’s minutes more than you would like; a third foul with less than a minute in the half is never good. There wasn’t much to complain about otherwise from the Grizz in the half. At halftime, the score would be Memphis 59, Orlando 44.

Third Quarter

Orlando would try, but they didn’t have much of an answer for Memphis as the game continued. Desmond Bane and Xavier Tillman would both step up in the third, only adding to the Grizzlies’ lead. After a quiet first half, Bane would make two threes and have 16 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals as the quarter drew to a close. Tillman, too, would contribute another 16 points and 7 rebounds. The Grizzlies would exit the quarter with four players in double figures: Jackson Jr., Bane, Tillman, and Kennard. At the end of the period the score would be Memphis 87, Orlando 73.

Fourth Quarter

The Magic would cut the Grizzlies lead to ten to start out the quarter. What would amount to bad news for Memphis? Turnovers and foul problems would be your main culprits (JJJ would have 5 personal fouls with 7 minutes to go in the game). The Magic would refuse to roll over, outscoring Memphis 35 to 26 in the quarter; Orlando would actually cut it to a three-point game with 20 seconds left. Bane would continue fending off the Magic’s efforts, going on to be the Grizzlies’ leading scorer with 30 points. Tillman would have the second-most points on the squad with 20. JJJ and Kennard would have 16 points apiece and Dillon Brooks would score 13. With five players in double figures, Memphis would seal the win 113-108, setting a franchise-record for home wins in the meantime.