Ja Morant Shines as Grizzlies Roll Past Nets, 135-119

Ja Morant delivered a commanding performance on Friday night, leading the Memphis Grizzlies to a 135-119 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.

The win extended Memphis’ hot streak to four straight games and marked their 10th victory in the last 11 outings. Morant finished with 28 points and 10 assists, setting the tone for a dominant offensive display.

Desmond Bane added 21 points for the Grizzlies, while Santi Aldama and Jaren Jackson Jr. each contributed 20 points. Memphis showcased its offensive firepower, improving to 1-2 against Brooklyn this season after dropping the first two meetings.

Dorian Finney-Smith paced the Nets with 19 points, while Dennis Schroder and Jalen Wilson chipped in 15 apiece. Despite their efforts, Brooklyn continued its recent struggles, losing for the fifth time in six games.

Grizzlies Control the Tempo

From the opening tip, Memphis imposed its preferred style of play, utilizing its league-best offense to dictate the tempo. By halftime, the Grizzlies had built a 69-56 lead behind Morant’s 18 first-half points and relentless pace in transition. Brooklyn’s defense had no answers for Memphis’ ability to push the ball and capitalize on fast-break opportunities.

While the Nets managed to claw their way back into the game briefly in the third quarter, Memphis quickly regained control. An explosive 18-3 run midway through the period restored the Grizzlies’ double-digit lead, allowing them to cruise to victory.

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Brooklyn’s Physical Play Falls Short

Brooklyn brought physicality on defense, particularly in the second half, but their effort wasn’t enough to derail the Grizzlies’ high-octane offense. The Nets shot a respectable 46% from the field but couldn’t match Memphis’ efficiency or tempo.

Key contributors like Finney-Smith and Schroder tried to keep Brooklyn competitive, but the team’s inconsistency on both ends of the floor proved costly. The Nets have now dropped to 1-5 in their last six games, underscoring a troubling stretch for a team struggling to find its footing.

Grizzlies Flex Their Offensive Muscle

Memphis’ offense was firing on all cylinders, eclipsing its season average of 122.1 points per game. The Grizzlies’ 135 points marked a stark contrast to their previous outings against Brooklyn, where they had been held under 107 points in both losses. This time, Memphis was already at 107 by the end of the third quarter, a testament to their relentless attack.

The Grizzlies also dominated in transition, scoring 22 fast-break points and consistently exploiting Brooklyn’s defensive lapses. With contributions from across the roster, Memphis showcased why it remains one of the most dynamic teams in the league.

Key Moment

The Nets made things interesting early in the third quarter, stringing together an 11-0 run to cut Memphis’ lead to single digits. However, the Grizzlies wasted no time responding, unleashing an 18-3 run of their own that ballooned the lead back to 17 points. This decisive stretch effectively ended any hopes of a Brooklyn comeback.

Defensive Adjustments Pay Off

While Memphis thrived offensively, their defense also played a key role in the victory. The Grizzlies held the Nets to just 21 points in the fourth quarter, ensuring there would be no late-game surprises. Jaren Jackson Jr. anchored the paint, providing a strong interior presence to complement the team’s perimeter defense.

Up Next

The Grizzlies will look to extend their winning streak when they travel to Los Angeles to face the Lakers on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Nets will try to bounce back as they host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday. Both teams face crucial matchups as they navigate a tightly contested season.

With Morant leading the way and Memphis firing on all cylinders, the Grizzlies continue to solidify their status as a powerhouse in the West. The Nets, however, will need to regroup quickly to avoid sliding further down the standings.