Report Card- Grizzlies continue winning surge behind Bane’s 30, Brooks’ timely shooting

Memphis Grizzlies fans and supporters have been waiting for both Desmond Bane and Dillon Brooks to find their offensive strides on the same night. Last night against the Houston Rockets provided an easy opportunity for the pair to shine together.

The duo pounced on the occasion, combining to nail 10 of 17 three-pointers while leading Memphis to a resounding 113-99 victory over the Houston Rockets. The win snapped an 8-game road streak for the Grizzlies, improving their record to 38-23 on the season.

Last night’s victory consisted of a team effort, and there were certainly multiple Grizzlies whose efforts must be highlighted below. Yes, the Grizzlies knocked off a Rockets team squarely headed for the NBA draft lottery, but they certainly won’t complain about any victory during this point of the season.

Time to hand out some grades.

Desmond Bane- 30 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 block, 12-19 FG, 6-9 3 PT, +31

This man was on 10 last night in the Toyota Center.

From the game’s start, it was clear that Bane’s shooting and play-making would play an integral role in the contest. I’ve highlighted his continued improvement on the glass and in the assists categories in past circumstances. Tonight further accentuated that critical improvement in Bane’s game. While star point guard Ja Morant didn’t play at a subpar level by any means, it was nice to see Bane operating the wheels of the offense for a lot of the night. He may need to do so in key situations in games leading up to and including the playoffs. If Bane continues to perform like this, in terms of nailing three-pointers at a high level while also passing like he’s been doing, the Grizzlies will truly be unstoppable at the guard position down the stretch.

Grade- A++

Dillon Brooks – 16 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 5-10 FG, 4-8 3 PT, +15

The much-maligned Brooks picked up his 15th technical foul last night, which will result in a suspension if he sustains a 16th.

That represented one of the few negative plays he made the entire night.

Similar to Bane, albeit in less shot attempts, Brooks pretty much shot the lights off the basketball last night. He returned to the form that Memphis needs him to be at all times, especially when Morant doesn’t post a high amount of points (Morant finished with 20.) Nailing fore three-pointers represents icing on the cake for the hustler Brooks, who’s obviously garnered a reputation for his defensive prowess. However, when you’re playing the Rockets, it doesn’t hurt to hoist up a few extra threes than normal. In all seriousness, this was a big game for Brooks in that he got himself together and recovered from a few subpar outings. Props to him.

Grade- B+

Jaren Jackson Jr. – 17 points, 4 rebounds, 5 blocks, 6-12 FG, 2-7 3 PT +25

Menace to society.

That’s what I’m starting to think that Jaren Jackson Jr. is to opposing offenses in the NBA.

Last night didn’t do much to change my mind, as JJJ posted another 5 blocks, and certainly dominated on the inside against up-and-coming Rockets center Alperen Sengun.

Everything that JJJ does starts and ends on the defensive side of the floor. Yes, his offensive game features an array of moves, but this man sets the tone defensively for the Grizzlies. His presence alone prevented the Rockets from scoring in key situations, and him stretching the floor to nail a couple of long distance-three pointers only adds on to what he does for the Grizzlies.

I am starting to think that JJJ will throw a block party in nearly every game he plays at this point, and it’s safe to say that the Grizzlies definitely would be happy attendees.

Grade- A