Cleveland Jan. 5 (US): Ja Morant scored six of his 26 points in the last 30 seconds, including the go-ahead basket, allowing the Memphis Grizzlies to extend their winning streak to six points with a 110-106 win over Cleveland. Cavaliers.
The Associated Press reported that Morant gave Memphis a 106-104 lead with a short double-pump jump, then stripped the ball off Brandon Goodwin and scored in the subsequent Cleveland possession with 22 seconds left.
After Laurie Markanen’s layup pulled the Cavaliers away within 108-106, Morant made two free throws to capture Memphis’ 10th road victory in the last 11 games. The Grizzlies won 118-104 in Brooklyn one night before.
“At the end of games, I like to be the guy who takes that shot — make it or miss it — and I’ve been handing it over lately,” Morant said. “When I attack, my job is just to play the right game, whether it’s me or one of my teammates.”
Darius Garland scored 27 points and 10 assists in his return to the Cleveland squad after missing four games in the NBA’s HSE protocols, while Jarrett Allen scored 22 points and 12 rebounds. The Cavaliers fell four out of five.
Kevin Love scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds from the bench, and Evan Mobley added 17 points and eight boards for Cleveland.
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“We learn that the fourth quarter is what counts,” Cavaliers coach JB Bickerstaff said. “Every shot, every pass, every possession, every exit box, every turn means it all. Give Memphis credit for the kicks at the end.”
Garen Jackson Jr. scored 22 points, and Desmond has 11 points and seven best assists for Memphis. Morant also had six assists, but his 30-point franchise record ended with four.
“It was definitely tough to get to the brink against the big guys, but I did some big shots to lock it in,” said Morant, who averages 30.7 points and 6.2 assists over the winning streak. “It feels good, knowing that everyone has confidence that I can do this.”
Grizzlies assistant coach Brad Jones filled the place for Taylor Jenkins, who was attending a memorial service for this father-in-law. Jenkins was named coach of this month’s Western Conference earlier today.
“We have such a wonderful group of guys and I know they won’t let me get away without celebrating,” Jones said, smiling widely. “I had a bunch of water and ice baths lying around on me, which was more fun at night, honestly.”
Cleveland, who went 1-2 in their three-game home run, is now embarking on their longest run of the season. The Cavaliers play the next six on the road.
“We made two mistakes, offensively and defensively, at the worst of times and we weren’t in the positions that the coach put us in,” Allen said. “It’s too bad because we were all so excited to get Darius back and lost the energy it brings.”
Brandon Clark finished with 13 points and nine rebounds for Memphis, who scored 58 points in the paint.
newcomer
Cavaliers J. Rajon Rondo is out of NBA health and safety protocols, but he won’t appear with his team until he completes a conditioning job. The four-time All-Star was acquired by the Lakers in a three-team deal on Monday.
Rondo, who averaged 3.1 points and 3.7 assists in 18 games with Los Angeles, catered to a huge need that arose when Cleveland guards Ricky Rubio and Colin Sexton lost to left knee injuries at the end of the season.
“He can improve our top players and he can play with Darius,” Bickerstaff said. “All around, it looks like it would be a good fit and a win for us.”
Hint
Grizzlies: J. Dillon Brooks, J. D. Anthony Melton, F Kyle Anderson, F Xavier Tillman and J Jon Konchar are in league safety protocols, while J. Terrell Terry has a non-COVID illness. … rookie J. Ziyer Williams, the 10th overall pick from Stanford, scored 10 points after missing 16 games with left knee injuries and left ankle injuries. …former Michigan former John Teskey appeared in the NBA on Monday in Brooklyn. Teske signed a 10-day contract by excluding the hardship list.
Cavaliers: JI Isaac Okoro (left elbow sprain) will miss the next 2-3 weeks after being injured Monday against Indiana. Okoro ran in a selection by Pacers Domantas Sabonis center near the top of the switch. … F Cedi Osman has remained in COVID-19 protocols and has been sidelined for six games in a row. …GD Dylan Wendler (left knee ache) is back from missing one game. … Bidirectional C Tacko Fall is on a mission with the Cleveland Charge of the G League.
next one
Grizzlies: Host Detroit Thursday night.
Cavaliers: Visit Portland on Friday night.