The Grizzlies faced the Suns on Sunday (1/18/21). Although the game ended in favor of the Grizzlies, with a final score of 108-104, the main focus was on something deeper than basketball. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a valuable day that people look forward to coming together, spreading love and peace, and understanding what has been fought for and is still being fought for today: justice. The Grizzlies and the Suns were both playing hard, per usual, tonight but with a deeper intention.
At halftime, the Grizzlies led the Suns with a score of 52-48. The Suns key player of the night, Deandre Ayton, was holding nine points, eight rebounds, and three assists. For the Grizzlies, the birthday boy, Gorgui Dieng, was shooting buckets as the leading bench unit with eight points, two rebounds, and two assists. By the end of halftime, the Grizzlies field goal percentage was 51.2%, and their three-point percentage was 46%.
Memphis came to a hot start in the third quarter leading by as many as eight points. During the fast-paced gameplay, Deandre Ayton came sprinting down the court and unintentionally bulldozed over Ja, leaving him sprawled out on the floor. It was a scary moment for Grizzlies fans to see Morant go down in his second game back, but he shook it off and was back in the game quickly. Phoenix called a timeout and made a couple of adjustments in order to bring that point deficient to two by the end of the third quarter.
With five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Phoenix was up 91-90, but it was not long before Tyus Jones tied the game 98-98. With 1:06 remaining in the fourth quarter, Grayson Allen shot a three-pointer putting the Grizzlies ahead 101-98. Ja Morant made an impact in the fourth quarter with a few key plays down the stretch, which ultimately led to a Memphis victory.
Despite Deandre Ayton’s stellar individual performance, by putting up 18 points and 16 rebounds, the Grizzlies collectively played better– especially when it came to attacking the rim and getting easy shots rather than settling for three-pointers. The Suns could not overcome the grit and grind of the Grizzlies this evening. This mindset is one that Coach Jenkins would refer to as the “next man up” mentality, where both the starters and bench players are always on guard, fully locked in, and waiting for their number to be called.
Many players were seen warming up in their “Honor King” shirts, and this game was specifically special for those in Memphis on Sunday evening because this is their city. Just minutes away from the Lorraine Motel, MLK’s presence was an abundant one, and honoring Dr. King in remembrance of his loyalty, bravery, and leadership, was the intention and focus.
This marks five straight wins for the Grizzlies, who are now 7-6. Four of those wins are by five or less, which means that the potential this team beholds is being brought to light through their ability to grind in crunch time. You can catch the Grizzlies at the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday (1/20) at 9 PM Central.
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