Nikola Jokic still absent, Grizzlies were able to take advantage of a less scary Denver team without its best player, the reigning MVP, to bounce back after two straight losses. And they did it together.
“It takes a lot of pressure off us”, slide Desmond Bane on balance in attack, in the absence of Ja Morant. “When you have six or seven players flirting with 10 points, it takes a lot of stress away. »
The statistics sheet confirms the guard's statement: nine players scored at least 7 points, and none exceeded the 20, which belong to Jaren Jackson Jr., his team's top scorer since the start of the season. In addition, four starters took between 12 and 16 shots and the Grizzlies finished with 31 assists on 41 baskets scored.
Everyone touches the ball
“It was great,” notes Taylor Jenkins. “It was nice to get shots in but, like I said, and even in the last game, the ball circulation was excellent. Eight players made at least two passes, it's really impressive. »
It's even a good sign for Memphis, which has a 5-1 record when players finish a game with at least 30 assists. “Everyone has the opportunity to have the ball a little more. Everyone touches it, passes it around so it puts everyone in rhythm, and it gives confidence”summarizes Luke Kennard, who broke his career record against Portland a week ago with 11 assists.
What is also reassuring is that with three successes in five matches since the injury of Ja Morant, who should return soon, the Tennessee troops (despite a full infirmary) are resisting the absence of their playmaker, which was not the case last season.
