On the first stop of their mini East Coast road trip, the Memphis Grizzlies faced off against the defending champion Boston Celtics in TD Garden. It was a big test for both teams and an opportunity for them to make an impression on one of their cross-conference foes.
After both teams got off to an explosive start, things settled down in the second quarter, where the Grizzlies were able to gain some separation and take a 12-point lead into halftime. Thanks to the Grizzlies stars, they managed to make a comeback in the second half and pulled away with the win (127-121) thanks to a late 9-1 run in the fourth quarter.
Ja Morant was the leading scorer for both teams, with 32 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists on 11-20 shooting. Jaren Jackson Jr. was behind him with 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 blocks in 34:02 minutes. Thanks to a hot streak late in the game that helped put the game away, Desmond Bane finished with 14 points, 4 assists, and 2 rebounds on 5-12 shooting from the field.
For the Celtics, Jrue Holiday was their top scorer with 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists on 8-26 shooting. Jaylen Brown totaled 22 points (10-14 FG), 6 assists, and 3 rebounds while Jayson Tatum scored just 17 points (6-21 FG) along with 13 rebounds and 9 assists.
TD Garden is arguably one of the toughest environments for any away team but the Grizzlies managed to get it done against a fully healthy Celtics team. The factors that went into their win today could be used as proof that the Grizzlies have returned to being an elite, championship-contending team.
Ja Morant In MVP Form
Perhaps the biggest story with the Grizzlies this season is the return of Ja Morant. He only played 9 games last season due to his suspension for the first 25 games and then a posterior hip subluxation that kept him out for months. Critics were unsure if Ja would ever return to his prime form with the Grizzlies.
But if this game was any indicator, Morant is back on track to NBA superstardom. he led the way with 32 points (55.0% shooting), 9 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals in 34:04 minutes. His impact was enormous on the court with high-flying dunks and the speed to outrun any defender.
After hitting rock bottom and facing major questions about his leadership, Ja Morant has responded well and the Grizzlies are thriving once again, just like they did in the 2022-23 season when they won 51 games as the second seed in the West.
Powerful Defense Kept Celtics In Check
The Grizzlies have been renowned for their defense, tracing back to the Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph era of the early 2010s. With guys like Jaren Jackson Jr., Marcus Smart, and Brandon Clarke, the Grizzlies have one of the strongest defensive rotations in the NBA and it’s no wonder why they rank 6th on that end of the floor with a rating of 108.6.
Against the Boston Celtics, the Grizzlies put on another masterful defensive performance by shutting down the three-pointer. They held their opponents to 40.0% shooting and 30,0% shooting from three (18-60). Most importantly, they managed to contain the Celtics’ star duo. Jayson Tatum had his worst shooting night of the season (28.6%) while Jaylen Brown reverted to old habits with a team-high 5 turnovers.
With so much depth and versatility at every position, the Celtics are a tough team to beat but the Grizzlies were able to stay ahead throughout the game thanks to their stifling defensive presence which had them working for every shot.
Game-Winning Plays Down The Stretch
It’s easy to forget the Grizzlies are young but their stars are all under 30 and they only have a few years of experience together. Of course, the Grizzlies don’t play like a young team and their poise and execution down the stretch of this game made them look like experienced veterans.
Jaren Jackson Jr. was particularly active in the fourth quarter with several big-time defensive plays that helped put the game away. He also scored back-to-back buckets in the closing moments. Brandon Clarke also stepped up with key offensive rebounds, giving his team second opportunities.
Against a Celtics team that can easily score, the Grizzlies knew they had to play smart and that’s exactly what they did tonight. By following the gameplan, and making plays down the stretch, they came out victorious to make a huge statement about their place in the NBA championship picture.
Not long ago, this team was considered among the best in the West and now it may be time to give them that title again. With Ja back in his groove and renewed depth at every position, the Grizzlies have reasons to be optimistic about the future and their chances to make a title run.
For now, all they can do is focus on the next game — which is against the Washington Wizards at 7:00 PM EST at Capital One Arena. After a small break for the Emirates NBA Cup, the Grizzlies return home to FedExForum for a game against the Brooklyn Nets at 8:00 PM EST on December 13th.
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