No Morant, no problem for the Grizzlies who won a 4th victory in a row by winning 135-102 in Indianapolis. A small round of observation where the Pacers are tied, and then Tyus Jones and De’Anthony Melton get angry with a 10-1 to give a seven-point lead after 12 minutes (32-25). Under the boards, Jaren Jackson Jr sees everything and watches the pass lines, and the Pacers have a hard time scoring baskets. Result, Memphis quickly projects forward, and the counter-attacks are linked. In four minutes, Memphis is already 16 points ahead (52-36). Ziaire Williams crashes from afar, and three minutes later, the Grizzlies took off: 63-41.
The rest will be a long ordeal for the Pacers with a collective festival of Grizzlies more altruistic than ever, and their lead will reach 37 points in the 3rd quarter, and even 43 points in the last quarter ( 115-72). There are seven minutes left to play, and the two coaches decide to launch “garbage time”. On arrival, Memphis won by 33 points (135-102), and it was the heaviest defeat for the Pacers this season.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
The regionals of the stage. Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr have strong ties to Indiana, and they were especially excited to play in front of loved ones. They are the two best scorers on their team, and JJJ was the most spectacular.
Ja Morant absent. The All-Star point guard suffers from back pain. According to his coach, nothing too bad, but rest is always good to take.
The Grizzlies demonstration. Speed, altruism and skill. It is the explosive cocktail of Memphis which ends the meeting with 38 assists out of 41 baskets! At halftime, Memphis had scored 24 baskets on the counterattack, against zero for the Pacers. All while defending with 12 interceptions and 10 blocks.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅Tyus Jones. All of the Grizzlies are to be commended, but Tyus Jones confirms he’s more than a stunt double and runs the shop when Ja Morant is away. He cares about getting others to play, and he is the symbol of the Grizzlies’ altruism.
✅Jaren Jackson Jr.. It’s an octopus in defense! In 21 minutes, he compiled 19 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks and 2 steals. He cuts the pass lines, he has great timing under the circle, he throws the ball back quickly, and he is even at the conclusion of the counter-attacks. He is everywhere.
✅Jalen Smith. He’s pretty much the only Pacer floating around. Since his arrival in Indiana, he has things to prove and he is ultra-active.
⛔Tyrese Haliburton. There’s nothing to salvage from the starters, but the former Kings fullback is perhaps the most disappointing. Lack of pressure in defense, lack of rhythm in attack… A game without, and it’s rare for him since he joined the Pacers.
THE FOLLOWING
Indiana (23-47) : Friday trip to Houston.
Memphis (48-22) : continuation of the “road trip” on Friday with the annual visit to Atlanta.
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