Report Card: Lofton, LaRavia Shine in Grizzlies’ Loss to Clippers

The Grizzlies came into Wednesday’s game looking to bounce back from a blowout loss to the Cavaliers, especially on defense. They would attempt to get back in rhythm against a Clippers team that has one of the older, more experienced rosters in the summer league.

Early on it was Kenneth Lofton Jr. and Jake LaRavia who made an impact offensively, scoring the first 15 points of the game for Memphis. However, the other Grizzlies simply couldn’t get in a rhythm. They would go down by as many as 11 points before going on a run and cutting the deficit to six at the half. 

Lofton and LaRavia combined for 26 of the Grizzlies’ 35 points in the first half, but no other Grizzlies made more than one field goal. The Clippers had a much more balanced approach, led by Kobe Brown and Jordan Bowden with 8 and 7 points respectively; at the half seven Clippers had scored five or more.

In the third quarter, the Grizzlies went on an early run to regain the lead, led by more impressive offense from Lofton and LaRavia. But, the Clippers would take a one point lead into the 4th after a late bucket from Xavier Moon. The fourth quarter, much like the rest of the game, was a physical, grind-it-out affair. However, it was the Clippers’ experience and superior shot making down the stretch that led them to a 83-74 win

Kenneth Lofton Jr. – A++: 24 points, 9-12 FG (2-4 3-PT), 10 Rebounds, 2 steals

Lofton continues to be the story of the summer league for the Grizzlies, and there is not much more you can ask from him offensively. He continued to show his ability to score off the dribble, in the pick and pop, and on post up opportunities. He also hit a couple catch and shoot threes which is another area of his game that continues to improve.

At this point, there isn’t much more that Lofton can do on offense to put himself into the rotation. Defensively he has still struggled, especially with his fouling. However, his effort and hands have been a positive and his flaws on that end would be less glaring playing next to guys like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Marcus Smart. 

Jake LaRavia – B+: 22 points, 6-15 FG (2-7 3-PT), 5 rebounds, 2 assists

LaRavia has been up and down in the summer league, but he put together one of his best games of the summer here. He did not shoot the ball great overall but did a good job of attacking and getting to the free throw line, where he was 8-11. Compared to last season, LaRavia has been much more willing to shoot the ball, and most of his looks have been good.

As one of the biggest questions coming into next season, it was good to see LaRavia play well against an older Clippers team. He still has a long way to go in terms of consistency, but it was good to see him put together another solid all-around game. The question will be if he can keep it up on Friday against the Lakers.

David Roddy – C-: 8 Points, 4-11 FG (0-4 3-PT), 6 assists, 5 rebounds

David Roddy has struggled a bit in Las Vegas, and today was no different. He looked a little out of sorts at times and didn’t shoot the ball very well. However, he played good defense and showed off some of his improved playmaking, tallying six assists…but he also had six turnovers. With just two games left, it would be nice to see Roddy put it all together at least once before the end of the summer.

Ball security – F: 23 Turnovers

The main reason the Grizzlies lost was their turnovers. The Grizzlies gave the ball away 23 times including multiple times late down the stretch. It’s hard to win games when you give the other team extra possessions, and the Grizzlies did that early and often. In order for the Grizzlies to get back on track next game, they should focus on making smarter passes and protecting the ball.

Overall Grade: C

It wasn’t a horrible night overall, but the Grizzlies definitely did not play their best basketball. They still had a chance to win down the stretch but couldn’t make the necessary shots. The turnovers put them at a disadvantage all night, and they were not able to create fast break opportunities on the other end. The Grizzlies will have at least two more chances to right the ship in Vegas, including a matchup with the Lakers on Friday.