Despite the absence of Ja Morant, the Grizzlies played for three quarters, relying first on the efficiency of Jaren Jackson Jr on both sides of the floor and 2/2 of Luke Kennard to complete the first act on a final score of 32 to 15.
The Memphis collective showed its variety with in particular a Xavier Tillman Sr in all the right moves, to help maintain a 15-point lead at the break (59-44) or increase it to +23, the most big gap of the match on a dunk over two Floridians (81-58).
Despite the show Goga Bitadze, author of 11 points in a row, the locals still seemed in control at +14 with 12 minutes remaining (87-73). Until the Suggs-Anthony-Wagner trio started the last act with a 6-0 to come back to 8 points behind the hosts while Jaren Jackson Jr took his 5e personal fault (87-79). The tension rose a notch when Franz Wagner confirmed the Magic’s return to business with a 3-point shot (89-82).
The locals’ salvation then came from Desmond Bane who chained two free throws, a rebound and a 3-pointer in transition to cut Orlando’s legs (96-84). Factor X of the match, Xavier Tillman Sr believed to finish the job with two baskets and an assist for the 3-pointers of Dillon Brooks.
Because it was finally necessary to wait for the very last seconds to see Memphis secure its victory, Orlando having chained a 10-1 in the space of 50 seconds in particular by forcing two balls lost by the Grizzlies and thanks to the address of Franz Wagner ( 106-103). Until the end, the German maintained the pressure and it didn’t take much for the Magic to create a surprise (113-108).
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– “Role players” in tune. Memphis played with fire at the end and almost got punished by Orlando, who returned to -6 with 9 minutes remaining. In the absence of Ja Morant, the Grizzlies were still able to count on the contribution of his collective to win a seventh consecutive victory. Once again, the role-players played a major role. Alongside Desmond Bane, we will thus retain the 16 points of Luke Kennard and his address, the 8 assists of Tyus Jones to compensate for his match without scoring, and especially the full match of Xavier Tillman (20 points, 9 rebounds).
– New franchise record. With this success, Memphis sealed a new franchise record as the Grizzlies now boast the best home record in franchise history with 33 wins! With only 5 losses on the clock, Memphis also has the best record in the NBA at home this season ahead of Denver.
– A hell of a push. No doubt the Grizzlies will respect this Magic more in the future. Led by 12 points with one minute remaining, the Floridians fought to the end to push Memphis to its limits by combining all-terrain pressure and active hands at the outside address of Franz Wagner to return to a possession of ‘gap. Almost enough to feed regrets for the Magic!
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Xavier Tillman. The current circumstances with the injuries of Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke have meant that we have seen him more on the field for several weeks. Like a Brandon Clarke, in another register, he remains a model of efficiency and proved it tonight with his career best offensive game at 20 points at 10/12 shooting.
✅ Franz Wagner. A small alert to the left knee in the first half. For the rest, he was rather incisive and ended the meeting in a cannonball.
✅ ⛔ Desmond Bane. His point at 31 points was boosted by his repeated passages on the line at the end of the match. Precious overall even if he also lost 6 balls, some of which cost Memphis dearly at the end.
⛔ Jalen Suggs. When he finds himself, Jalen Suggs does not pretend. Another very complicated match in attack for him with his 1/10 shooting and his 3 balls lost in 24 minutes.
THE FOLLOWING
Memphis (48-27) : the Grizzlies will start a double-confrontation at home against the Clippers from tonight (02:00).
Orlando (32-44) : The Magic will travel to Washington to challenge the Wizards this Friday (01:00).
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