In a thrilling matchup on Wednesday night, the Memphis Grizzlies triumphed 117-111 over the Philadelphia 76ers, setting a season-high 19 3-pointers in the process.
Leading the charge for Memphis were Jaren Jackson Jr., who finished with 25 points, and Desmond Bane, who contributed 21 points and 10 rebounds. The victory also marked a historic moment for Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins, who became the franchise’s all-time winningest coach with his 215th career victory.
Jackson’s scoring was a crucial component in the Grizzlies’ offensive onslaught, as his inside presence and perimeter shooting kept Philadelphia on its heels throughout the night. Bane, despite a recent shooting slump from beyond the arc, found his rhythm, connecting on key 3-pointers, and his all-around performance solidified Memphis’ lead as they held off a late rally from the Sixers. Jaylen Wells also provided a strong contribution, adding 14 points in a well-rounded team effort.
For the 76ers, Joel Embiid was again the focal point, finishing with 35 points and 11 rebounds, but he received little help from his supporting cast. While Tyrese Maxey and Paul George returned to the lineup for the first time together this season, they struggled to make an impact. Maxey was limited to just 8 points, and George added only 2 before leaving the game with a hyperextended left knee in the second half. Philadelphia’s offensive flow faltered without the expected production from the rest of the team, and the 76ers ultimately fell to their fifth consecutive loss.
Rookie Jared McCain, however, showed flashes of promise, scoring 20 points to provide some scoring punch, while Guerschon Yabusele added 17 points in a solid performance. Despite the efforts from Embiid and the bench, the 76ers couldn’t mount enough of a comeback after Memphis built a commanding 115-100 lead with just over three minutes remaining.
The key turning point of the game came when Philadelphia’s starting trio—Embiid, George, and Maxey—finally took the floor together for the first time this season. After a lengthy period of injuries and suspensions, the trio’s debut was short-lived, as George was forced to exit the game with a knee injury. The Sixers’ hopes of making a push for a win were hampered by George’s departure, and Memphis capitalized on the opportunity, never relinquishing control after that crucial moment.
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Memphis’ success from beyond the arc played a vital role in their victory. The Grizzlies had struggled with their 3-point shooting early in the season, sitting at just 33.3% from deep prior to this game. Bane, in particular, had been cold, going just 2 of 16 from three-point range in his last three games. However, Memphis found their shooting touch on Wednesday, hitting 8 of 17 attempts from deep in the first half alone. Bane knocked down three 3-pointers in the second quarter, helping Memphis build a double-digit lead that they would not relinquish.
As the game progressed, the Grizzlies’ offense clicked into gear, with a 20-9 run to open the fourth quarter that effectively sealed the win. Memphis’ ability to knock down critical 3-pointers, combined with strong defensive play, allowed them to stay ahead, even as the 76ers attempted to close the gap in the final minutes.
For Jenkins, the victory was particularly sweet, as it marked a significant milestone in his tenure as head coach. Passing Lionel Hollins for the most wins in Grizzlies history, Jenkins has built a culture of success in Memphis, and this win further cements his place in franchise lore. With the Grizzlies continuing to play at a high level, Jenkins’ leadership has been a key factor in their recent rise.
Philadelphia’s struggles in the absence of consistent help for Embiid highlight the ongoing challenges the 76ers face as they attempt to find balance with their star players. While the return of Maxey and George was a positive sign, George’s injury setback looms large as the team heads into a critical stretch of games. The 76ers will look to bounce back on Friday when they host the Brooklyn Nets, but they’ll need to address their depth issues if they hope to turn their season around.
Memphis, on the other hand, continues to roll. The Grizzlies will now head to Chicago for a Saturday matchup with the Bulls, looking to extend their win streak and build on their impressive start to the season. With Jackson, Bane, and the rest of the team firing on all cylinders, Memphis appears poised to be a force in the Western Conference as the season progresses.
Key Stats and Takeaways:
- Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 25 points, while Desmond Bane added 21 points and 10 rebounds.
- Jaylen Wells contributed 14 points, and the Grizzlies set a season-high with 19 3-pointers.
- Joel Embiid finished with 35 points and 11 rebounds for the 76ers, but his efforts weren’t enough to overcome Memphis.
- Tyrese Maxey and Paul George struggled in their return, with Maxey scoring just 8 points and George leaving the game with a knee injury.
- Memphis overcame a recent shooting slump, hitting 8 3-pointers in the second quarter and 4 of 7 in the first half.
- Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins became the franchise’s winningest coach with 215 career victories.
- Memphis extends their winning streak, while Philadelphia suffers their fifth straight loss.