The Memphis Grizzlies won quarters one and four by a combined 12 points and still managed to lose 104-101 to Sacramento’s Kings at the FedExForum on Friday night.
In their fifth straight loss, the Grizzlies were outscored by the Kings by 15 points in the middle quarters, including by 12 points in the second.
“Our energy just died down,” said Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant, reflecting on the defensive lapses in the second and third quarters.
“They won that second quarter. We kept them on the line. They shot 12 free throws. You can’t foul. You have to be disciplined on defense. That will allow us to put ourselves in better positions.”
With an announced attendance of 17,794, the Grizzlies played their first game at FedExForum since Feb. 16 and the beginning of the All-Star break. Coming out of the break, the Grizzlies loss four straight on the road, getting off to bad starts in each.
The Kings started Memphis’ current losing streak and early in Friday’s game it appeared the Grizzlies were on track to end it with them. Memphis ran out to a 30-21 lead to end the first quarter. Dillon Brooks broke out of his shooting slump, scoring a game high 13 points in the period.
The Grizzlies only scored 16 points in the second frame and trailed the Kings (50-47) going into the half. Memphis fell behind by as many as 11 points in the third period, managed to cut the deficit down to four points (72-68) with 2:50 left and trailed by six (81-75) as the quarter ended.
With the game in the balance in the fourth quarter, Morant scored after the Grizzlies forced a turnover to cut the deficit to 102-98. Another forced turnover, a basket by Morant and a free throw cut the lead down to one (102-101) with 10.9 seconds left.
Sacramento’s Buddy Hield made two clutch free throws to seal the game at 104-101 with 4.4 seconds left. Memphis called a timeout and set up a play up for Tyus Jones, whose game-tying effort bounced off the rim.
Jonas Valančiūnas finished with a career high 25 rebounds and 13 points for the Grizzlies. Brooks tallied 32 points (a season high for him) in 39 minutes. Morant played 35 minutes and had 20 points and 11 assists.
De Aaron Fox led the Kings with 25 points and the Kings’ bench outscored the Grizzlies 35-22.
NOTES:
- The Grizzlies played the game missing two key contributors Jaren Jackson Jr. and Brandon Clarke. Jackson will be reevaluated next week, and Clarke will be rechecked in 10 days. The duo represents nearly 30 points of missing offense.
- Morant’s double-double was his 10th of the season, leading all rookies.
- Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins on the play of Josh Jackson, who had nine points and three steals: “He is getting better every single day. He is continuing to make an impact on the defense end. He is playing with force of the offensive end.”
- In a quick turnaround, Memphis will host the Los Angeles Lakers tonight (February 29) 7 p.m. tipoff. The Lakers have the best record in the Western Conference and the Grizzlies are clinging to the final playoff spot in the west.
- The Grizzlies had four players log over 30 minutes in the game. According to Morant, that will not be an issue against the Lakers. His recovery plan includes the ice tub, the recovery room, recovery boots and tights. And, he will make sure he gets enough sleep, but not stay in bed all day.
-
Ja Morant made Friday’s game memorable for this fan. (Photo: Terry Davis) Morant invited a teenager to the game whose video went viral after he had a wisdom tooth pulled. In the video, the teen was in pain and asked for Morant.
“I have never seen a video like that before. I had everybody send it to me. I got a good laugh out of it.” said Morant. “I don’t know him, but he is a fan. I just tried to find a way to show my appreciation. I can’t do it for everybody, but definitely a special one right there. I took a picture with him and gave him a pair of shoes.”
Gallery: Photos by Warren Roseborough
