“ We could have scored more. I don't feel like we played to our full potential. » Scotty Pippen Jr.'s remark is enough to make Raptors fans pale, whose team was crushed by the offensive strike force of the Grizzlies last night.
The latter set a new franchise record with 155 points scored in a large victory (155-126)!
The Canadians, who never led the score in this game, did not at all succeed in containing the offensive dynamic opposite, where danger came from everywhere. Inside first where Jaren Jackson Jr. (21 points and 11 rebounds) and Zach Edey (21 points and 16 rebounds) made their mark much too easily.
The two men contributed to the abysmal gap which separated the two teams on the rebound (63-40), particularly offensively with… 24 shots on the Grizzlies side. Beyond this interior pair, the local shooters responded like Desmond Bane (19 points) or the rookie Jaylen Wells (17) who confirmed his status as a serious gunner, including in first intention at 3- points.
Luke Kennard and Scottie Pippen Jr. also contributed 15 points each off the bench, the same total as local star Ja Morant, who didn't have to stretch his skills. At the break, both teams had already reached the 70-point mark (78-70). Twelve minutes later (121-100), the Grizzlies saw much more clearly about the nature of this meeting which was going to end in one direction.
The Morant-Bane pair will not need to be mobilized during the last quarter. Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett added to their points total as the gap swelled to 32 points.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– The best offense in the league has spoken. With this offensive explosion, the Grizzlies have seriously widened the gap at the top of the best attacks in the league in absolute value. With 123.7 points, they occupy first place ahead of the Cavs (121.8) and the Nuggets (119.1). On 100 possessions, however, Cavs, Knicks and Celtics are still ahead.
– The fury of Darko Rajakovic. We have rarely seen a coach get into such a state of anger. For the first time in his career, Darko Rajakovic was sent off for spectacularly won against the officials. His anger erupted 11 minutes from time, after a penetration from Scottie Barnes which generated no whistle. He then crossed the field to convey his message by gesticulating, to the point of having to be held back by Ochai Agbaji. This bloodbath on the part of the former Grizzlies assistant (2020-2023) did not really have an effect on the course of events.
– Worst away team in the league. Now with a record of one small victory for 14 losses, the Canadiens now have the worst record in the league away from home, tied with that of the Pelicans. Team against which the Raptors won their only match of the year in the United States. This record should not improve: their next trips will take them to Boston, New York and Cleveland…
How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
