by This recap is brought to you by Hinckley Roofing. – https://hinckleyroofing.com/
After the Cavs regained the lead with just over a minute remaining, the Grizzlies (31-13) scored the last four points to sneak out a 115-114 victory. Ja Morant converted a three point play seconds later. The ensuing sequence from Cleveland (28-18) most likely cost them a chance to steal a game at the FedExForum without Donovan Mitchell (groin strain).
The Cavs had a chance to grow their gap but instead they committed a five-second violation on an inbound, even though J.B. Bickerstaff had one time out left in his back pocket. One aspect of this game that Cleveland struggled with Wednesday was constantly allowing offensive rebounds.
Rebounding wins championships is a phrase that often gets tossed around the game of basketball. Even with both teams totaling 53 rebounds, the Grizzlies seemed to grab them at the most opportune times. With 16 ticks left, Morant attacked the paint but it rolled off the rim. Steven Adams collected the miss for his fifth offensive rebound. He cleaned up the mess and gave Memphis the advantage.
Like Grizzlies teams from the “Grind House” days and up until present day, the defense got it done once again to ensure a victory. Dillon Brooks guarded Darius Garland beautifully on the final possession, rejecting his three-point shot.
Memphis has now matched their franchise record of 11 consecutive wins. It was originally set last season, coincidentally near the same time (Dec. 26, 2021, to Jan. 13, 2022).
What assisted the Grizzlies chances of winning was leading by as much as 19 at one point in the second quarter. Using a 20-0 run lasting 4:25, Morant’s backcourt co-star Desmond Bane was a major cog in that outburst. Bane led all scorers with 25 while dropping in five deep balls.
Besides that it was tightly-contested ball game with Cleveland responding with a 17-5 run to close out the first half. Other than a mental collapse in those final moments, they fought hard without Mitchell. Garland had a strong outing, pouring in a team high 24 points to pair with 14 assists. Evan Mobley, who has a nice stretch as of late also double doubled (18 PTS 15 REB) and added two blocks.
The forwards Caris LeVert (23) and Isaac Okoro (17 6-6 FG, 4-4 3PT) were rock steady as well.
Morant provided 24 and eight assists and Jaren Jackson Jr. tallied 15 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks. Santi Aldama, a rotation piece for Memphis had a night too, scoring 16 on an efficient 6-8 and 4-6 from three.
Cleveland is back in action against their ninth-straight Western Conference opponent on Friday when they host the Warriors. The Grizzlies will take a trip to Los Angeles to take on the Lakers. Memphis can move into first place in the West with a Denver Nuggets loss on Wednesday. Cleveland is alone in fifth in the East, a half game back of fourth behind the Brooklyn Nets.
