Jaren Jackson Jr. led the way for the Memphis Grizzlies in their 105-90 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, scoring 20 points and anchoring a defensive effort that helped the Grizzlies build a commanding 24-point lead in the fourth quarter.
The win marked Memphis’ fourth consecutive home victory and gave them a solid start to their two-game set against the Nuggets. The teams will meet again on Tuesday in Memphis for an NBA Cup matchup.
Denver entered the game without star center Nikola Jokic, who was absent for personal reasons, and forward Aaron Gordon, who is still recovering from a strained right calf. Without their two key players, the Nuggets struggled on both ends of the floor, suffering their second straight loss. Despite coach Michael Malone’s return after missing the previous game, Denver couldn’t recover from the early deficit Memphis built.
Rookie Jaylen Wells made a significant contribution for the Grizzlies, adding 15 points to the effort, while Desmond Bane filled the stat sheet with 11 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. Bane’s all-around performance was a key factor in Memphis’ ability to maintain control of the game, especially when Denver attempted to mount a comeback in the second half.
For the Nuggets, Julian Strawther led the charge with 19 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Grizzlies’ well-rounded effort. Christian Braun and Jamal Murray each chipped in 13 points, but the two combined for an inefficient 11-of-26 shooting performance, including a disappointing 1-of-8 from beyond the arc. Denver’s offensive struggles were a major factor in the lopsided result.
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The Grizzlies, known for their fast-paced style of play, capitalized on Denver’s defensive lapses by scoring 20 fast-break points. Memphis’ ability to transition quickly from defense to offense had the Nuggets scrambling to get back, often leaving shooters open and creating easy opportunities. The Grizzlies’ offensive efficiency was evident in their strong shooting from deep, a notable improvement after their struggles in a recent game against Golden State.
One of the pivotal moments of the game came midway through the second quarter, when Memphis went on a 14-1 run that turned a slim lead into a double-digit advantage. This run, coupled with a strong second-quarter performance in which the Grizzlies outscored the Nuggets 27-18, set the tone for the remainder of the game. Memphis then came out of the halftime break with 10 straight points, further putting the game out of reach.
Memphis’ three-point shooting was another key factor in their victory. After struggling from beyond the arc in their previous matchup against the Golden State Warriors, the Grizzlies were lights out from three-point range in the first half, connecting on nine of their 21 attempts. They finished the game 13-of-39 from deep, showing that their shooting could be a weapon in their offensive arsenal, even without a consistent presence from the inside.
The Nuggets’ lack of offensive firepower without Jokic was evident, especially in the paint, where they were outscored 48-32 by the Grizzlies. Denver simply couldn’t keep up with Memphis’ pace or defensive intensity, and their poor shooting from the field – particularly from long range – left them with little room for error. As a team, the Nuggets shot just 39.3% from the field and 27.8% from three-point range, making it a difficult night offensively.
Memphis’ defense, spearheaded by Jackson, was also a major factor in the win. The Grizzlies forced Denver into 16 turnovers, which led to 17 points off turnovers for Memphis. This defensive pressure, combined with their fast-break points and efficient shooting, overwhelmed the Nuggets throughout the game. Jackson’s presence on both ends of the floor continues to be a difference-maker for Memphis as they build their team identity.
Despite the absence of Jokic, the Nuggets still had the opportunity to make the game competitive, but their inability to execute offensively and the lack of defensive cohesion ultimately cost them. The Grizzlies’ ability to capitalize on these mistakes and extend their lead in the second half proved too much for the short-handed Nuggets to overcome.
Looking ahead, the two teams will meet again on Tuesday night for the second game of their two-game set. Denver will be hoping to bounce back, and with Jokic’s return likely, they’ll need to be more efficient on offense and tighten up defensively if they want to avoid a third straight loss. For the Grizzlies, continuing to build off their strong home performances and keeping up their fast-paced style of play will be crucial as they look to make it two wins in a row against Denver.
Takeaways:
- Jaren Jackson’s Dominance: Jackson’s 20 points and defensive presence were pivotal in securing the win for Memphis.
- Denver’s Offensive Struggles: Without Jokic and Gordon, Denver’s offense struggled to find a rhythm, shooting poorly from the field and beyond the arc.
- Grizzlies’ Fast-Break Efficiency: Memphis capitalized on 20 fast-break points, showcasing their ability to transition quickly and efficiently.
- Rookie Contributions: Jaylen Wells stepped up with 15 points, continuing to provide a valuable scoring spark off the bench.
Key Stats:
- Jaren Jackson Jr.: 20 points, 10 rebounds
- Desmond Bane: 11 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists
- Julian Strawther: 19 points for Denver
- Memphis 3-Point Shooting: 13-of-39, including nine made in the first half
- Turnovers: Denver 16, Memphis 10
With the series tied at one game apiece, both teams will look to their key players to step up and push for a win in Tuesday’s rematch.
