The Memphis Grizzlies wrapped up their preseason with a win against Detroit. Ja Morant in particular is already in top form and is delivering highlights on the assembly line. Several youngsters shine for the Thunder and Spurs.
Detroit Pistons (0-4) – Memphis Grizzlies (3-2) 111:126 (BOXSCORE)
- The grizzlies largely succeeded in the dress rehearsal before the start of the regular season. Ja Morant has been in impressive midseason form, both in terms of box score production and highlight play production. Prime example: 3rd quarter steal, behind-the-back move to fool opponent in transition, and a cracking slam to finish.
- The point guard was on the court for 25 minutes, during which he had 31 points (12/21 FG, 1/2 three), 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks with only 2 turnovers. Both teams started with the regular starters and let them run for almost three quarters. After Morant gave the Pistons 17 points in the third period alone, the game was all but over.
- Things didn’t go so well for the Grizzlies’ shooters, Desmond Bane (16, but 1/7 threes) or Dillon Brooks (6, 2/13 FG) need another sip of target water before the start of the regular season next week. Brandon Clarke meanwhile convinced with 16 points and 5 rebounds, the rookies David Roddy (12) and Jake LaRavia (10, 1/6 threes) also scored double digits. Steven Adams, on the other hand, had to leave the court early due to a neck problem.
- The home side’s most diligent collector of points was Saddiq Bey, who also had problems with his shot on the way to 17 points and 8 rebounds (7/17 FG and 1/7 three-pointer). Isaiah Stewart started for the injured Marvin Bagley (knee, two to three weeks out) and did well (16 and 9, 4/10 threes). Cade Cunningham still had 15 points (5/16 FG, 2/8 threes) and 6 assists, No. 5 pick Jaden Ivey had to fight badly (7, 3/11 FG, 0/4 threes) – among other things he was blocked in a three by Morant, who then added the fastbreak dunk.
San Antonio Spurs (1-4) – Oklahoma City Thunder (5-1) 112:118 (BOXSCORE)
- In a duel between two of the probably worst teams in the NBA, some youngsters were able to convince at the end of their preseason. Starting with No. 12 pick Jalen Williams, who led the Thunder from the field to victory with 21 points on 7/8. In the fourth quarter of the consistently tight game alone, he scored 12 points.
- Josh Giddey (18, 6 rebounds and 6 assists) and Tre Mann (17 and 6 assists, 6/16 FG, 4/8 three-pointers) also shone on the Thunder side. Josh Primo, the first round pick of 2021, was the best man at Spurs. His tally: 23 points and 4 assists on 8/12 from the field.
- Apart from his long-range shot, Keldon Johnson also did well (19, 8/19 FG, 0/5 3-pointer), Devin Vassell contributed 18 points (6/16 FG). Jakob Pöltl knew how to please in 25 minutes with 8 points (4/4 FG), 10 rebounds and 5 assists, but also lost 5 balls. The Texans will start the regular season against Charlotte next week, while OKC has an opening match against Minnesota on the agenda.
