The Memphis Grizzlies traveled to Atlanta to play the Hawks on a five-game win streak and winning seven of their last eight games. It would be Ja Morant’s first game back in the starting after coming off the bench in each of the team’s last two games.
The Grizzlies came to play in the first quarter on both ends of the floor. After a back-and-forth start, the Grizzlies built a seven-point lead at the end of the first and held the Hawks to just 35% shooting. Late in the 2nd quarter, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Taylor Jenkins were given techs for arguing with officials after this block.
They would challenge the call, and the referees overturned it, giving Jaren his 5th block of the half. He was among five Grizzlies in double figures joining Morant, Desmond Bane, Luke Kennard, and Tyus Jones. They held a five-point lead going into the half.
However, the Hawks quickly erased this lead coming out of the half, led by Trae Young, who already had 27 points at the end of the third. But the Grizzlies fought back thanks to an 11-point quarter for Morant. The Grizzlies led by seven going into the 4th; Bane and David Roddy helped extend the Grizzlies’ lead after a quick run from the Hawks. The Hawks would make another run and cut it to three, but clutch plays and free throws from the Grizzlies’ big three earned them their 6th straight win.
Ja Morant – A: 27 Points, 9-17 FG (9-11 FT), 6 Assists, 3 Rebounds, 1 Steal
Tonight was the first time for Morant was back in the starting five, and he did not miss a beat. He had 16 of his 27 points in the second half as he continues to dominate games after coming out of the break. Memphis needed every single one of those points as he battled with Young on the other end. The biggest shots of the game for Morant came in the 4th quarter, though, when he hit three free throws to give the Grizzlies a six-point lead late.
Desmond Bane – A+: 25 Points, 11-18 FG (3-6 3-PT), 5 Assists, 3 Rebounds
Desmond Bane is known as a precision shooter from behind the arc, and he continued to knock down shots from behind the arc. However, tonight was one of the most impressive performances of his career in getting downhill and finishing around the rim. Bane scored 12 of his 25 points in the paint and was 6-6 on his attempts on the interior, including finishes like this one.
Bane seems to be back in rhythm and fully healthy, scoring 20+ points in five of his last six games. Nine of those points came in the fourth after the Hawks had made a run early in the quarter. The Grizzlies will need Bane to continue to be clutch in these situations down the stretch and into the postseason.
Jaren Jackson Jr. A: 15 Points 6-10 FG, 8 Rebounds, 5 Blocks, 3 Steals
The frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year put on another incredible performance on that end. He had five blocks, his 14th game with 5+ this season, which leads the NBA, and three steals. It was the 7th time this season that Jaren had 8+ stocks in a game this season which also leads the league. As more people begin to push narratives against his case for DPOY, it was good for him to have a dominant game on that end of the floor.
On offense, Jackson was not as aggressive as he had been in the past few weeks, but that was mostly because Morant and Bane were winning their matchups all game. He still finished with 15 points on 60% shooting, as he continues to have the most efficient and highest-scoring season of his career.
The “Star in their Role” Players (Luke Kennard, Tyus Jones, Xavier Tillman) A: 42 points on 61% FG
The Grizzlies’ role players have had their ups and downs this season, but tonight was a big night for the supporting cast. Luke Kennard and Tyus Jones made six of their 12 three-point makes as Jones also added some nice floaters around the rim. Xavier Tillman continues to be impressive in Steven Adams’s absence and will remain an important piece down the stretch. When the Grizzlies supporting cast is firing on all cylinders like they were tonight, they are always difficult to beat.
Overall Grade A:
The Grizzlies were outrebounded by nine, but besides that, they played with force and led for the majority of the game. Struggles on the road have been a theme for the Grizzlies all season, so getting a win away from the forum against a solid team fighting for playoff position is always good for team morale. The Grizzlies will have four of their next five games back in Fedex Forum before finishing the season with three games on the road.