Memphis, TN, March 24 (BUS): Desmond scored between 23 points, including nine in a row as Memphis rebuilt its lead in the fourth quarter, and the Grizzlies beat Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets 132-120 Wednesday night.
Irving scored 43 points and Kevin Durant had 35 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. Still banned from home games due to a New York City vaccine mandate, Irving was on the field for the first time since scoring 60 points in Orlando eight days ago, the Associated Press reported.
But that arrangement for Irving, who is not immune to COVID-19, is coming to an end. New York City Mayor Eric Adams is set to lift the mandate for athletes and performers.
Memphis had the weak hand this time with lead scorer Ja Morant sidelined due to a sore right knee. But the Grizzlies had enough attacking anyway thanks to reserve DeAnthony Milton, who equaled 23 points for Bunny, and Dillon Brooks, who finished with 21 points, part of seven Memphis players to hit double digits.
“A great example of staying on the course,” Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said. “We’ve been saying that all season.”
As for the Grizzlies’ 15-2 record without Morant, Jenkins said, “Together. That’s probably the most important thing.”
The Grizzlies have won six out of seven and are second in the Western Conference. The team is two games ahead of the Golden State Warriors, who beat the Miami Heat 118-104 on Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, the Nets maintained a one-game lead over the Charlotte to finish eighth in the Eastern Conference after the Hornets lost 121-106 to the New York Knicks.
Early on, after a quick start, Memphis kept a comfortable lead until the Nets came out in third. Memphis squandered a double-digit lead in the second half but withdrew in the fourth quarter, outpacing Brooklyn 29-16.
“The fourth quarter went around, and we adjusted our coverage,” Jenkins said, adding, “Our defensive activity really set the tone from 42 points (Brooklyn’s third quarter) to a 16 point quarter. It really sparked our attack.”
The Grizzlies led 76-62 in the first half and by 15 points early in the third quarter, but Brooklyn relied on Durant and Irving for the defeat. Brooklyn made 16 of 22 rounds in the period and led the 104-103 entry fourth.
Durant noted that 14 turnovers in Brooklyn and 16 attacking rebounds in Memphis resulted in a 33-point second chance that was hard to beat, even with Morant out.
“They play freely knowing that (Morant) isn’t around, so a lot of guys play with a free mind and soul,” Durant said. “You see it translates to buckets.”
Hint
Nets: They lost five in a row in the series. The Grizzlies are the only team undefeated by the Nets this season. … Durant had two masses. …the Nets have 52 points in the paint, compared to 48 for Memphis, which leads the NBA in the category, with an average of 58.2.
Grizzlies: As for Morant’s situation, Jenkins said, “He’s dealing with some of the pain that’s crept in the last couple of days, just get it off him.” … It was Memphis’ 50th win of the season, the fourth time Memphis had won that number and the first since 2014-15. … Bane made six three-pointers, which put him past Mike Miller for the most 3 seconds by a player from the Grizzlies in a single season.
happy birth day
Irving turned 30 on Wednesday, but it was his coach who got the gift when news broke that the star could soon play home games.
“I would welcome that,” Steve Nash said with a laugh.
the difference
The Grizzlies led 40-32 in the first quarter. In recent games, Brooklyn has been jumping to the top quickly, letting opponents play from behind. “When you lose close to 40 points in the first quarter, and you feel like you’re playing from behind for most of the game,” Irving said, the momentum shifted to their side. I felt like they were doing us what we’re trying to do with the other teams – which is to beat them in the first half and then be able to come back.”
next one
Nets: In Miami on Saturday.
Grizzlies: Indiana hosts Thursday.