After dropping their last two games to teams they were favored to beat, the Memphis Grizzlies got back on track in a big way on Halloween night at the FedExForum. Memphis handed the Milwaukee Bucks a 122-99 loss, treating the home crowd to an impressive all-around performance.
Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins credited the improved offensive efficiency, saying, “We didn’t turn it over. We played fast. Scoring 40 in a quarter—that’s our first 40-point quarter this season. Multiple guys pushing it, running without the ball, kick-aheads, whether it was hockey assists… Ja, you know how gifted he is as a playmaker. And Scotty [Pippen Jr.] as well, he’s doing a really good job in tight spaces and the open court. Collectively, we had a small pocket in that third where we got a bit sloppy, maybe some fatigue setting in, but overall, we were much better organized.”
After struggling with energy and execution in their previous matchup with the Brooklyn Nets, the Grizzlies came out strong against Milwaukee. Ja Morant led the way with 10 points and 4 assists in the first quarter, while Scottie Pippen Jr. added 13 points off the bench. Between them, the point guards had just one turnover, helping Memphis jump to a 38-24 lead by the end of the first quarter.
Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo gave the fans a show in the first half with two crowd-pleasing dunks in traffic, finishing the half with 17 points. But Morant and the Grizzlies didn’t allow the Bucks to gain any momentum, holding a commanding 70-48 lead at halftime.
The Grizzlies’ third quarters have been inconsistent this season, often letting opponents back into games. This time, however, they stayed sharp. Morant recorded a triple-double midway through the third, even capping off the period with a flashy alley-oop pass to Santi Aldama from a seated position on the court. Memphis entered the fourth with a 99-70 lead, in full control of the game.
Milwaukee made an 11-3 run with Morant on the bench, cutting the lead to 104-81 and prompting a Memphis timeout. Morant returned to steady the team, and the Grizzlies closed out the win without much drama.
Antetokounmpo led the Bucks (1-4) with 37 points and 11 rebounds in 33 minutes, while Brook Lopez added 12 points. Damian Lillard had a rough shooting night, going just 1-for-12 from the field. Milwaukee’s poor shooting from beyond the arc (21 percent, 9-for-43) limited their chances to keep pace.
Morant’s final line was 29 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds. All Memphis starters scored in double figures, with Jaylen Wells setting a career high of 16 points in his first start. Aldama finished with 19 points, Jackson contributed 13, Edey added 10, and Pippen Jr. matched Wells’ 16 points off the bench.
On the highlight-reel pass from Morant, Aldama said, “When guys are in that position, they normally just pass the ball to whoever’s open. Ja’s looking to make a play. I saw everybody open up, and I just jumped, knowing he’d probably find me. That’s what happens when you play with Ja Morant.”
Morant, reflecting on his low turnover count, said, “Nah, I play free. With me, you’re going to deal with turnovers. I tried to throw a lob off the glass—if Zach [Edey] catches it, it’s not a turnover. Even if it is, I don’t care. It’s the right play. Me and him do it in practice all the time. I’m just going to play free and always try to make the right play.”
The Grizzlies will now hit the road for games against Philadelphia and a rematch with the Nets. They return to the FedExForum to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m.
