Report Card: Grizzlies overcome the largest deficit in Franchise History in OT win vs Spurs

After a loss in Miami, the Grizzlies traveled to San Antonio looking to sweep the season series with the Spurs. Even though it was against an opponent that has only won 18 games all season, it was a huge game for the Grizzlies as they continue to fight the Kings for the 2nd seed in the West. It was also a chance for Memphis to show some life on the road, as they were just 13-22 away from home entering the matchup.

The Spurs started the game making six of their first eight three-pointers and getting out to an early lead. They finished the quarter shooting over 50% from three and had a nine-point lead going into the 2nd. The Grizzlies struggled on both ends, allowing wide-open threes on defense and struggling to knock down shots on offense. The Spurs’ lead grew to 23 after the first half, led by 16 points from Zach Collins and five players in double figures. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 16 points, but the offense as a whole struggled mightily. It was arguably the worst half of the season for Memphis, against one of the worst teams in the NBA.

However, the second half was a different story for Memphis. The Grizzlies were able to cut into the Spurs’ lead in the 3rd quarter, thanks in part to Kenneth Lofton Jr., who scored seven straight for the Grizzlies and started their comeback. It ended up being a 26-9 run, capped off by a deep bank-shot three from Luke Kennard, cutting the Grizzlies’ deficit to 12 heading into the 4th.

The 4th quarter has been a struggle overall for the Grizzlies this season, but they flipped that script and continued their strong play. Despite some tough calls going against them, the Grizzlies were able to claw their way back. Bane and Kennard both hit clutch three pointers before a Dillon Brooks three-pointer with under a second left sent the game into overtime.

In overtime, it was the Grizzlies’ most important players who made plays down the stretch. Bane scored 8 points in OT, while Jackson and Dillon Brooks hit clutch shots as well. It was another clutch three-pointer by Brooks that gave the Grizzlies a 4-point lead, and two free throws from Tyus Jones that sealed the deal on the largest comeback win (29 points) in franchise history.

Jaren Jackson Jr. – A+: 

The Spurs honored his father during tonight’s game, but Jaren Jackson Jr. took over the night meant for the senior. For most of the game, Jackson was the only source of offense. He attacked the interior and scored extremely efficiently, making 12 of his 17 attempts from inside the arc. Jackson’s intensity on defense also spread throughout the Grizzlies and turned the game around. Zach Collins scored 19 points in the first half but was held to just five after the break and it was clear Jaren made him uncomfortable. Jackson also blocked 4 shots tonight, his 23rd game of the year with four or more, including two big blocks in the 4th quarter. A big night for him and the entire Jackson family!

Tyus Jones – A:

For the first time in his career, Tyus Jones has a triple-double against his younger brother Tre as he orchestrated the Grizzlies’ comeback as the true point guard. He controlled the pace of the game and made sure that the Grizzlies locked in on the offensive end after halftime, scoring 12 of his 20 points and getting 7 of his 10 assists came after the break. He also was the team’s leading rebounder as the shortest person on the team and also chipped in two steals on defense. All-in-all, another great performance for the best backup point guard in the NBA.

Dillon Brooks A:

The rest of the game doesn’t matter regarding Brooks’ grade; he hit the two biggest three-pointers of the game and brought the energy that the Grizzlies needed down the stretch. He was physical on defense in the second half, and also let the Spurs hear it after every made basket. The look on his face after the big three in overtime is the epitome of what he does for this Grizzlies team.

Luke Kennard and Kenneth Lofton Jr. – A+

The Grizzlies bench seems to have someone different making big contributions every night; this game it was up to Luke Kennard and Kenneth Lofton Jr. Kennard was 4-7 from three, making all of his threes after the Grizzlies were down 20+ in the 3rd quarter. He also made one of the best passes of the night that led to the Brooks game-tying three-pointer.

Lofton Jr. played his first real NBA minutes tonight, playing in the first quarter of an NBA game for the first time in his career. He did not disappoint, scoring 11 points and grabbing seven rebounds in just 14 minutes of play. It was known that Lofton was a treat offensively, but his solid defense tonight was evidence that he could be a consistent rotation player in the future.

Overall Grade: A

The first half might have been the worst half of basketball the Grizzlies have played all season. ThY were abysmal on both ends and allowed San Antonio to walk into wide-open three-pointers for a lot of the game. However, when it mattered most, the Grizzlies locked in and produced the biggest comeback in the NBA this season and in Franchise history. The Grizzlies’ important pieces in Jackson, Bane, and Brooks made huge plays down the stretch. They also got more evidence that the Kennard pickup was the correct move at the deadline and heading into the post season. It was an amazing comeback victory on the road as the Grizzlies continue to fight for position in the West. After going 2-1 on their road trip, eight of the next 10 games will be at Fedex Forum for the Grizzlies who are 28-5 there this season. This win could be the catalyst for a good stretch to end the season with Ja Morant’s return on the Horizon.