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Grizzlies blow out 76ers and march on

“Burn the film, throw it away and just move on to the next game,” said Philadelphia head coach Doc Rivers after the Memphis Grizzlies pounded their way to a 35-point victory at FedExForum Monday Night.

With Philadelphia’s All-Star center Joel Embiid a late scratch due to rib soreness, the Grizzlies (17-11) ruled the paint on the way to a 126-91 beatdown. Starting guard Seth Curry also was scratched right before tipoff.

“I thought the late scratches kind of threw us off,” said Rivers. “It’s funny because at halftime we were still shooting at 54 percent, but we couldn’t get stops all night. It was just the theme all night. I think they had 100 points going into the fourth quarter. You’re not supposed to win any games like that. So, we’ll move on.”

The Grizzlies are rolling along. Memphis finished its four-game homestand with three straight wins and has now won eight of its last nine games.

“We’re in a little groove,” said Tyus Jones, who continues to ably man the point guard spot as the Grizzlies play on without their star, Ja Morant. Morant, who suffered a sprained knee and then was restricted by COVID-19 health and safety protocols, may be back later this week if he gets league clearance.

Jaren Jackson Jr. had 22 points in 26 minutes for Memphis, with Dillon Brooks the top scorer, hitting for 23 points (and 6 rebounds). De’Anthony Melton was hot off the bench again with 15 points and four assists.

Memphis led 37-30 at the end of the first quarter as the teams combined for 44 points in the paint. The Grizzlies kept up that pace but the 76ers could not. By halftime, Memphis led 68-56. Jackson and Brooks put the game on ice in the third quarter, with 13 points and nine points respectively.

The defense was the key to the game for the Grizzlies. Memphis’ pressure forced six turnovers in the decisive third quarter as the Grizzlies outscored Philadelphia 33-19.

“We found a way to make plays for each other … create plays on the defensive end and get out (and run),” said Brooks. Like I said, we’ve been building this foundation for like three years now. We’re at a point where we’re just plugging in guys and guys are ready to play.

“It’s a tribute to the coach. It’s a tribute to the guys that come in and work hard every single day. We’ve just got to keep it rolling. Keep the same energy, the same mindset, the same focus, every single game.”

Philadelphia (15-13) was led by Tyrese Maxey with 23 points. Charles Bassey had 13 points off the bench. The Philly bench was outscored 37-57.

“We just come in and play hard,” said Memphis forward John Konchar (11 points, five rebounds) about the contributions from the bench. “We had 29 assists tonight. Everybody moves the ball really well and just getting open shots and playing really well together.”

Next up for the Grizzlies (17-11) is a two-game road trip. On Wednesday (Dec. 15), they face the Portland Trailblazers, followed by a game against the Kings in Sacramento on Friday (Dec. 17). They return to Memphis to face the Portland Trailblazers on Sunday (Dec. 19), with Oklahoma City Thunder visiting FedExForum next Monday (Dec. 20).

 

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