Takeaways from Grizzlies’ win in return to Fedexforum
The first in-game commercial on the Fedexforum videoboard said it all for the Grizzlies on Thursday.
Mase’s “Welcome Back” played in the background as players danced as they showed how happy they were for their first home game in nine months.
“We back, ya hear me!” said Ja Morant. Dillon Brooks rolled his shoulders back and forth as he repeated, “We’re back, Go Grizz.”
The Grizzlies’ 128-106 win over the Atlanta Hawks made the return even sweeter as they improved to 3-0 in preseason play.
Here’s what we learned about Wednesday’s game.
Ja Morant is ready for the season
Morant continued his strong preseason with 18 points and 13 assists in 28 minutes. He said he felt comfortable after the Grizzlies’ second game and it showed once again going against Hawks All-star guard Trae Young.
He even got a chance to reconnect with former Murray State teammate Shaq Buchanan. Morant’s final two assists went to Buchanan, including an alley-oop that brought a smile to Morant.
“I know all our Racer family is proud. I’m happy for him. I’m proud of him,” Morant said. “That lob is something we did in our two years at Murray State. It was nothing new to us but it definitely felt good to be able to it on the NBA level.”
Grayson Allen starts but struggles
Grayson Allen started for the second time this preseason but missed his first six shots. He finished with nine points on just 3-of-12 shooting. Meanwhile, De’anthony Melton had eight points and four rebounds off the bench.
Right now, Melton looks better suited to start Saturday against the Hawks. He’s been more consistent and he arguably has the inside track to start the season opener on Dec. 23.
Brandon Clarke’s preseason debut
Brandon Clarke checked in with 4:58 left in the first quarter and grabbed a rebound on his first defensive series. He didn’t show any lingering effects from a groin injury that kept him out of the pre
vious two games but showed his usual burst as a high-energy player.
He ended the first half with a 3-pointer and drove down the lane for a thunderous dunk near the end of the third quarter. Clarke finished with seven points and six rebounds in 18 minutes.
“It was really fun. I was just really trying to get my wind back but it felt good hitting that first trey-ball, playing with Tyus and Melt again and all those guys,” Clarke said.
3-point shooting improves
Home cooking helped the Grizzlies’ 3point preseason woes ever so slightly. After shooting 27.5% and 33.3% in their first two games, they shot 38.8% against the Hawks.
Brooks was 4-for-8 en route to a team-high 24 points. Kyle Anderson was 3-for-4 on 3-pointers and is shooting 6for-11 this preseason.
Anderson’s shooting could be an Xfactor to start the season with Jaren Jackson Jr. out, The Grizzlies don’t just need willing shooters. They need shoot
ers who’ll knock them down.
Desmond Bane finds rhythm
Rookie guard Desmond Bane had 10 points off the bench and played alongside Morant and other starters in the second quarter.
He had two 3-pointers and showed his playmaking by grabbing an offensive rebound before kicking it to Melton for an open 3-pointer. It’s why he’s quickly earning a spot in the rotation for more than just his shooting.
“He fits our team perfectly and he fits our system very well. I think he’ll be able to thrive in our system and on our team,” Clarke said.
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