Memphis’ current generation of players honored one of their legends with a 124-91 drubbing of the Miami Heat at the FedExForum on Saturday, March 15. The easy win capped a halftime jersey retirement celebration of former Grizzlies defensive stalwart Tony Allen.
Several former Grizzlies’ greats were on hand for the halftime ceremony, including former teammates Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol. Paul Pierce, who played with Allen on the Celtics, also appeared. So did Derrick Rose, who was mentored by Allen while attending the University of Memphis.
Members of Allen’s family also attended the game.
The Grizzlies outscored the Heat 62-43 in the second half, to build upon a 15 point first half lead. Jackson Jr. led all players with 31 points. The All-Star power forward knocked down 11-13 from the field. Jackson also showed no lingering affects of a rolled ankle that sidelined him on March 3.
Desmond Bane flirted with a triple double. The fifth-year guard scored 22 points, along with a team-high 10 rebounds and eight assists in 30 minutes. Zach Edey also used his 7-4 size to his advantage, scoring 12 points, grabbing eight rebounds and logging a pair of block.
“We wanted to make sure we got this win on this special night, and to make sure that there wasn’t a repeat performance from last night,” noted Bane.
Memphis lost to Cleveland 133-124, the previous night in the first game of a back-to-back. The Cavs currently own a league-best 56-11 record.
Luke Kennard also hit double figures in place of injured starter Ja Morant. The veteran guard scored 11 points on 5-8 shooting in 29 minutes. Morant was ruled out for the game with a shoulder injury.
Memphis led across every statistical category, minus turnovers and fouls. Moreover, the Grizzlies limited Miami to 39.8% shooting on 35-88 from the field. The Heat’s lack was drier on the perimeter, where they canned only 9-37 for a desolate 24.3%. All-Star guard Tyler Herro was also limited to eight points on 3-12 shooting, well short of his 23.6 points per game.
Scottie Pippen Jr. led the bench unit with a 11 point and 11 assists, while backup big man Brandon Clarke’s energy around the basket netted 12 points.
A Bam Adebayo mid-range floater with 6:27 left in the third quarter narrowed the Heat’s deficit to 74-62. It was a close as Miami would get to claiming the lead. The power forward scored 12 points in the quarter, including 2-3 from deep. He finished with 18 points, six rebounds and two blocks.
A Davion Mitchell open three with 8:44 left in the second quarter capped a 12-4 run by the Heat. With their lead down to 42-39, Memphis defense tightened. A GG Jackson steal that was converted to a layup by Zach Edey triggered a 9-1 run that put the Grizzlies up 51-40. A mid-range jumpshot by Luke Kennard with :35 seconds on the clock gave a 63-48 lead going into the half.
Miami was led by center Kel’el Ware’s 19 points. The 7’0” big man also had a 11 rebounds for a double-double.
Jackson Jr. did most of his work around the basket early, on the way to 12 first quarter points. A jumpshot by Heat guard Jamie Jaquez found the bottom of the net as the first quarter expired to cut Memphis’ advantage to 38-27.
Jaquez and power forward Kyle Anderson scored 13 points apiece for Miami.
Allen played for Memphis during the prime of his 14-year career. In the seven year run, he was one of the “four core” of that included Randolph, Gasol and current Timberwolves point guard Mike Conley. However, it was Allen that was the embodiment of the “grit and grind” culture that franchise has embraced ever since.
“He always kept the same attitude regardless of whether he played early on or not,” Randolph said. “He kept working in practice and when his time came to shine, he showed out.”
Allen was picked in free agency in 2010, after the Boston Celtics declined to offer him an extension on his rookie contract. His professional fate changed with his jersey number. Number 9 quickly found a home in Memphis. The Chicago-native was named to the NBA All Defensive team six out of his seven years with the Grizzlies.
“I wasn’t happy with TA leaving, but I knew that the move made him a better player because he needed to spread his wings,” reflected Pierce. “It’s a honor being here…”
Memphis’ record improves to 43-25, while the Heat fall to 29-38. Memphis currently shares a three-way tie for second place in the Western Conference Standings with the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets. Oklahoma remains atop the standings with a 55-12 record, good for a 12.5 game lead.
The Grizzlies travel to Sacramento to face the Kings on Monday, March 17. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m.
