After a good start to the season, the Grizzlies leave Salt Lake City a little sheepish and in less good shape. Two days after their victory by a small point against the Grizzlies, deprived of Ja Morant, the Jazz chained with an even more convincing success against the same opponents (121-105), who this time had to do without Desmond Bane (ankle right).
After a balanced first quarter (23-26), the Mormons signed a fiery second quarter (38-18) relying on a much too strong Lauri Markkanen at the head of the racket. The locals thus returned to the locker room with a very comfortable lead (61-44) which was not really questioned afterwards.
The third quarter was more like an exchange of baskets on both sides which even turned to the advantage of the Jazz (36-30). Despite the size of the gap (97-74), Ja Morant was still entitled to a few minutes of play in the last quarter but without much impact on events.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Three times as many 3-pointers. In the NBA today and yesterday, making three times more 3-pointers than your opponent is a pretty good sign. Good illustration this night when the Jazz relied on the Lauri Markkanen – Mike Conley – Malik Beasley trio to line up the winning shots while another trio, Talen Horton-Tucker – Kelly Olynyk – Jordan Clarkson watered from afar. The absence of the best shooter (in volume) opposite, Desmond Bane, was clearly felt. The Grizzlies had never been clumsier this season than tonight.
– 19 points dropped on throws… Another symbol of the Grizzlies’ little offensive evening: free throws. The visitors did not at all know how to punish the many fouls caused (30) by the locals. Memphis may have gotten twice as many shots as their opponents, but they barely got more than half of them, leaving 19 free runs on the line. Difficult, in this context, to hope to stay in a match.
– Jazz on the podium! The “tanking” operation that we imagined to be set up by Danny Ainge got off to a very bad start! Undefeated at home (4-0), the Jazz remain on the podium of their conference after eight disputed matches. The Jazz will test themselves in the next two weeks with a series of six trips in seven games. With the program a mini “road trip” to the West (Mavs, Lakers, Clippers), then to the East (Hawks, Wizards, 76ers).
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Lauri Markkanen. His second double-double with 31 points and 12 rebounds of the season, this time adding 4 blocks. He was decisive with his long distance address at the end of the second quarter, fatal to the Grizzlies. The Jazz may put forward collective values this year, the statistical leader of the team is clearly called Lauri Markkanen.
✅ Ja Morant. Another very big game from the leader of Memphis, constantly attacking the circle, who must have felt very alone in this part…
⛔ The Grizzlies’ supporting cast. Santi Aldama, Steven Adams and John Konchar: with three such clumsy starters (4/19 combined!), it’s hard to imagine anything for the Grizzlies. Especially since the bench did not offer more guarantees. A match to forget collectively.
THE FOLLOWING
Jazz (6-2) : trip to the Mavs, Wednesday.
Grizzlies (4-3) : trip to the Blazers, Wednesday.
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