The Memphis Grizzlies hosted the Charlotte Hornets in the second game of a four-game homestand and cruised to a 132-120 victory for their fourth consecutive win. Memphis improved to 29-15, matching their total wins from all of last season.
Fast Start for Memphis
The Grizzlies set the tone early, scoring 38 points in the opening quarter while shooting 59% from the field, including five three-pointers. They forced six turnovers from Charlotte and led 38-25 by the end of the first quarter. Ja Morant and Desmond Bane each contributed 7 points in the period.
Memphis kept the momentum going in the second quarter, putting up 40 points while holding the Hornets to just 23. Luke Kennard was unstoppable, hitting all four of his three-point attempts in the quarter. By halftime, the Grizzlies had built a commanding 78-48 lead, their largest halftime margin of the season.
Charlotte Fights Back
The Grizzlies extended their lead to 33 points late in the third quarter before the Hornets mounted a rally. Mark Williams scored 14 of his career-high 38 points in the third, helping Charlotte outscore Memphis 36-28 in the period and cut the deficit to 106-84 heading into the fourth quarter.
LaMelo Ball, averaging 29 points per game, was tightly guarded by rookie Jaylen Wells for much of the night. During the first three quarters, Ball shot just 4 of 14 from the field. He finished with 22 points, while Miles Bridges added 17 for the Hornets.
Wells reflected on the physicality of the game: “A lot of little stuff. Things were called one way on one end and not the other. I’m a rookie, so I may not get the benefit of the calls. I just have to learn.”
Grizzlies Close It Out
Charlotte cut the lead to 12 points in the fourth quarter, but Memphis held firm. Kennard led the way with a season-high 23 points, including seven three-pointers. He even added a rare dunk, capping off a memorable night for one of the league’s top three-point shooters.
Morant recorded his ninth double-double of the season with 16 points and 13 assists. Bane scored 24 points, his sixth straight game with 20 or more, and added 8 assists. Jackson, who was presented with the NBA Defensive Player of the Month award for December before the game, finished with 22 points and 6 rebounds. Wells and Jay Huff contributed 13 points each, with Huff making his impact in just seven minutes of play.
Morant emphasized the importance of staying focused: “You’ve got to play 48 minutes. No matter what the score is, you have to finish those games.”
Bane’s Upcoming Jersey Retirement
Bane will have his jersey retired at Texas Christian University during the All-Star break on Monday, Feb. 17.
Reflecting on the honor, Bane said, “I am looking forward to it. It’s going to be over the All-Star break, so I’ll be able to celebrate with my friends and family. It’s forever; it’s stamped. TCU was great to me, and I appreciate the love.”
What’s Next
The Grizzlies will face the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, Jan. 24, at 7 p.m., followed by the Utah Jazz on Saturday, Jan. 25, at 7 p.m. to conclude their homestand.
