For the third match since his return, Ja Morant challenges Trae Young. And it was the Hawks who “dominated” the first half (60-50), behind the long-range skill of Dejounte Murray and the impact of Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu under the circle. Atlanta's two pivots offer “second chances” to their team, with the locals scoring 17 points on their offensive rebounds in the first half. A big problem for the Grizzlies.
A problem that the team will resolve after the break, allowing only 4 points in this situation in the second half. For Taylor Jenkins, it was the key for his team and he therefore challenged his players.
The Grizzlies will thus get back together before pulling away in the middle of the fourth quarter. While Trae Young put the teams back at 106 all, and Onyeka Okongwu had just chained two blocks on Xavier Tillman then Ja Morant, the Grizzlies achieved their decisive acceleration, behind Desmond Bane's 3-pointer.
Ja Morant could conclude this 9-0 with a complicated layup against Trae Young. At 115-106 with four minutes on the clock, the Grizzlies were not completely safe but a final dunk from Jaren Jackson Jr. after recovering the offensive rebound finally closed the affair (125-119) in the last minute . This is a third victory in three games for Memphis since Ja Morant's return to action!
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The Morant – Bane double blade. Without Ja Morant, Desmond Bane had logically lost his effectiveness at the start of the season. Forced to do too much with the ball in hand, the back finds space and freedom alongside the All-Star. This night, the two men were the main driving force for Memphis, with 30 points, 11 assists and 6 rebounds for Ja Morant, as well as 37 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists for Desmond Bane. They also shot a lot, taking 50 shots in total to bring down the Hawks…
– The battle of the rebound. As we said, the Capela – Okongwu pair hurt the Grizzlies in the first half, but the Grizzlies won the rebound battle after the break, and that's also where the match was decided. The difference being that the Hawks only have their two pivots to snatch the balls that bounce on the circle, while almost all of the Grizzlies participate in the rebound effort.
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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.
