Grizzlies burned from Cleveland's 4th-quarter shooting, lose 108-101
The Memphis Grizzlies fall to the Cleveland Cavaliers 108-101, losing their 3rd straight game.
The Steven Adams trade may have hidden this reality, but there was a game last night. The Grizzlies started a home back-to-back with a meeting with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Grizzlies got a tough whistle to start the game, but it was a sweet back-and-forth between Jaren Jackson Jr. and Donovan Mitchell. Vince Williams Jr. was doing some slick stuff off the dribble, finishing layups after a Euro step on separate instances. Trey Jemison made his Grizzlies debut, as Xavier Tillman was designed as “doubtful” with knee soreness mid-game. He made his arrival with a big block on Jarrett Allen. The Grizzlies and Cavaliers were knotted at 27 at the end of the 1st quarter.
The Grizzlies got off to a hot start at the beginning of the 2nd quarter, building an 11-point lead. They capitalized on the minutes Cleveland had without Donovan Mitchell — though the Grizzlies didn’t have Jaren Jackson or Vince Williams on the floor through that stretch. John Konchar was everywhere with his activity — driving to the basketball aggressively, and swatting a Sam Merrill’s transition layup attempt straight into the glass. The Grizzlies held on to the lead and went into the half up 58-51.
Scary sequence to kickstart the 3rd quarter, as Jaren and Vince (first name basis because two Jackson’s and two Williams’) collided into one another. Both players were fine and continued playing. Cleveland found a groove, as the Grizzlies got cold, as the Cavs took the lead with about 5 minutes to go in the 3rd quarter. However, good play from Jacob Gilyard and Trey Jemison helped the team stay afloat, entering the 4th quarter down 81-80.
The Grizzlies started out the 4th quarter pretty roughly. David Roddy’s ill-advised drives killed some momentum. Gilyard tried to create a spark with his two-way activity. However, the Cavaliers just found a rhythm from beyond the arc in the period. With less than 90 seconds left, Max Strus hit a 3 to put Cleveland up 7, which put the game on ice.
Core 4 takeaways
Trey Jemison impression. Jemison signed a 10-day contract on Tuesday, after his 10-day with the Wizards ended. He received minutes today and provided solid hustle. He did exactly what was asked of him: set screens, rebound, and protect the rim. He provided good minutes in his debut — finishing with 5 points, 3 rebounds, and a block in 14 minutes (+4 +/- as well). Keep an eye on Jemison’s situation, especially if the Grizzlies open up another 2-way spot.
Xavier Tillman late scratch. The Grizzlies deemed Xavier Tillman “doubtful” at the start of the game with knee soreness. Everyone will jump to trade speculation, as mid-game injury designations before a player enters the game doesn’t happen often.
Taylor Jenkins sticking with GG Jackson. GG Jackson struggled shooting the ball, only connecting on 3 of his 14 shot attempts. However, Jenkins continued to stick with Jackson to close the game. He provided solid activity on both sides of the floor, and kept the ball moving too. Even though it wasn’t his best game, this outing is still beneficial, as it’s an opportunity to grow and stay active even if the shot isn’t falling. Good long-view call by Jenkins.
More on-ball Vince Williams Jr. Vince Williams has been thrusted into more of an on-ball lately, and he’s provided some cool flashes. His drives have some added craft. He’s finished tough contested shots. His step-back 3 before the end of the shot clock was definitely eye-popping. It seems like he’s been growing each game as a live-dribble weapon.
The Grizzlies play tonight against the Golden State Warriors at home at 7PM CST.