Grizzlies bench outshines first Morant-young duel

Tyus Jones took the pass from John Konchar. In one motion, he hit a cutting Gorgui Dieng for a fastbreak dunk.

The Grizzlies bench erupted and both Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. broke out the “goggles” celebration over their eyes that’s been a part of this team’s endearing rise.

It was a bounce-back of sorts for the bench, which scored a season-high 72 points in the Grizzlies’ 127-88 win over the Hawks in Atlanta — their largest win by margin of victory this season.

Morant was so excited after the game he yelled out “Tyus Stones” when Jones was interviewed postgame.

The first NBA meeting between Ja Morant and Trae Young took a backseat to the Grizzlies (30-31) showing why, entering Monday, they have the seventh highest scoring bench in the NBA and third among Western Conference teams. Five reserves scored in double figures led by Dieng’s 17 points and 10 rebounds and Jones adding 15 points and nine assists.

Josh Jackson continued his allaround play with 16 points, four assists, three blocks and two steals.

Anthony Tolliver, who signed a 10day contract hours before Monday’s game, scored 12 points in his debut on 4-of-5 3-pointers.

John Konchar, who had a second quarter spark in the team’s win over the Lakers, had his career-high with 10 points along with seven rebounds

Since the All-star break, the bench struggled with Brandon Clarke out and De’anthony Melton being inserted to the starting lineup. Their defense kept the Hawks shooting just 32.3% from the field.

Morant got the better of Young with 13 points and five assists. Young had 19 points but shot 5-for-17, had seven turnovers and had his lowest-scoring game since Feb. 1 — a run of 12 games.

They swapped jerseys postgame and will be due for more memorable matchups over their career. But Monday was about the bench leading the way as the Grizzlies, who now lead by 3 1/2 games for the No. 8 seed, had their first winning streak since the All-star break.

You can reach Evan Barnes on Twitter (@Evan_b) or by email at evan.barnes@commercialappeal.com

JOHN AMIS/AP Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks (24) shoots as Hawks forward John Collins defends during the first half of Monday’s game in Atlanta.