Quietly, the Grizzlies sign a 6th victory in a row, and they are slowly but surely approaching the Warriors in the standings. Tonight, Jaren Jackson Jr’s teammates won 121-109 on the Pelicans floor, and they almost led from start to finish with an impeccable Tyus Jones in charge. Morant is not there, but his partners proved at the start of the season that they knew how to play without him. Steven Adams dominates Jonas Valanciunas, then De’Anthony Melton brings his usual spark, and Memphis already has a 10-point lead after eight minutes of play (25-15).
The rhythm imposed by the Grizzlies, and especially their defensive pressure, hurt a lot, and Jones, again, already gives a 20-point lead (62-42) two minutes from halftime. The Pelicans will never be able to pick up the score, and it will in fact be necessary to wait for the last five minutes to see Jonas Valanciunas bring his people back below the 10 point mark (109-100). It’s the first time since the very start of the 2nd quarter, and it’s the Clarke-Jones duo who will be responsible for finally repelling the Pelicans for a 9th victory in 10 games.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
Ja Morant absent. The star point guard of the Grizzlies left an ankle on the floor of the Hornets, stepping on the foot of a photographer. According to the medical staff, it’s a small sprain, and he will indeed be present at the All-Star Game.
The anti-Valanciunas plan. This summer, Jonas Valanciunas and Steven Adams swapped shirts, and tonight Memphis decided to isolate the Lithuanian pivot. Even if he was skilful, he did not weigh on the match as usual. He only takes four rebounds, and he has always been targeted on offense. The Adams-Clarke-Jackson Jr trio wore him down, and the Grizzlies largely dominated in the paint.
Watch out for free throws. The Grizzlies won without ever really shaking but their clumsiness at free throws could be costly. Tonight, they miss 10, and Adams makes 0 of 3.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Tyus Jones. He is one of the most underrated players on the circuit and one of the best value for money at this spot. Whenever Morant is absent, Jones responds, and tonight he behaved like a boss, with accuracy and leadership. With Clarke as his friend, he can drive and decide at the last moment to take a floater or make a lob pass. New Orleans could not adapt, and Jones signed his best game of his career.
✅ CJ McCollum. A few matches will have been enough for the former Blazer to take the reins of the attack. Although he was clumsy from a distance, he weighed heavily on the Grizzlies defense with his drives, his contact seeking and his general aggressiveness. When Zion Williamson returns, it will be interesting to watch.
⛔Devonte Graham. He and McCollum have the same qualities, and there’s one too many combo guards in the starting lineup. The Pelicans lack a true leader to support McCollum, and Graham would be more effective off the bench, as in Charlotte before.
THE FOLLOWING
New Orleans (23-35) : end of this series of six home games with the reception Thursday of the Mavericks.
Memphis (41-18) : back-to-back against Portland before the cut of the All-Star Game.
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