The Grizzlies go wild on the Bucks in Memphis
The struggling Milwaukee Bucks traveled to Memphis to face off against the Grizzlies. Bucks came into this matchup 1-3 on the year, not in the position they were hoping to be in to start the year, after dropping their last 3. The Griz start out 2-3 on the year after dropping their previous matchup against the Brooklyn Nets.
The Grizzlies took control out the gate, Ja Morant is the engine of this team and he got them going in the right direction. He stuffed the stat sheet scoring 10 points on 4/7 shooting, while also grabbing 4 board and getting 4 assists. Memphis was able to get 24 points in the paint in the 1st quarter alone. On the other hand, the Bucks shot 40% as a team and were only able to score 24 points as a team. Memphis went into the second with a 16 point lead, 40-24.
After setting the tone in the first quarter, the Grizzlies didn’t let up for the rest of the game. The Grizzlies continued to Oooo and ahhhh the home fans with flashy lobs and their outside shots. Ja Morant continued to be Ja scoring another 11 points in the second and almost completing a triple double in the first half. Giannis Antetokounmpo wouldn’t go down without a fight, scoring 17 and grabbing 9 rebounds in the first half. The main struggle for Milwaukee was the lack of support for Damian Lillard. Dame went 1/8 scoring only 2 points, and not playing well defensively as well. Grizzlies lead 70-48 going into the half.
The third quarter was the same story. The Bucks couldn’t hit a three point shot, and the Grizzlies were having fun and getting the crowd going. The Grizzlies shot 61% in the quarter. The Bucks: 35%. These two teams are on the opposite ends of the spectrum in momentum and it really is showing. Memphis is finding their footing again after dealing with so many injuries last year and all the off court issues, it is great to see them get it going again. The Bucks did all they could to keep it close, but they were just too far out of reach. 99-70 going into the final quarter.
Giannis tried to will his team to get back into the game, but Memphis continued to hit their shots, play team basketball and drain the clock until it the clock hit triple zeros. Finals score 122-99.
The Grizzlies are a very, very fun team to watch. If you get the opportunity to see them play, give them a watch. Ja gets you into the game, he gets the crowd into the game and creates a highlight wherever he goes. He recorded the second ever triple-double in less than 30 minutes of play in Grizzlies history. The person who got the other one: Ja Morant. They are full of young, scrappy and unselfish players who want to help their team win. Taylor Jenkins has his team, they have a strong defensive identity with Jaren Jackson Jr., Marcus Smart and Zach Edey, once they get Desmond Bane back they will have much more shooting, and they have a leader in Ja. Watchout for Memphis.
The Bucks. I mean, where do I begin. Lillard has been struggling. Very little defensive presence. Giannis is being rumored to leave Milwaukee. The Bucks window is closing a lot faster than we may have realized. As a team, they shot 9/42 from deep, that is 21.4%. With the way the NBA is evolving, and the 3-ball becoming ever more important and ever more present, if they are not going to be able to hit their shots, then the Bucks may not to be able to recover. Trying to figure out your defensive identity, and where you can get production from the three point line are two things that are much easier said than done.
Grizzlies next game is in Philadelphia Vs. the 76ers, and the Bucks head home to face off the 5-0 Cleveland Cavaliers.
