Brooks’ 23-pt. 3rd quarter carries Grizzlies past Heat
Dillon Brooks was the most vocal Grizzlies player last season when Andre Iguodala stayed away from the team before he was traded to the Miami Heat.
The Grizzlies agreed Iguodala didn't have to report but before the trade deadline, Brooks had some advice for the former NBA Finals MVP.
“I can't wait 'til we find a way to trade him so we can play him and show him what really Memphis is about,” Brooks said on Feb. 3, 2020.
Fourteen months later, Brooks backed off those words, scoring 23 points in the third quarter alone on a barrage of layups, free throws and 3pointers.
It was the second-highest individual scoring quarter in franchise history and the Grizzlies rode it to a 124-112 win in Miami on Tuesday night for their third consecutive victory. Brooks finished with a game-high 28 points.
"When Dillon's playing well and picking his spots to be aggressive then we're a dangerous team," Kyle Anderson said.
Brooks brings the heat, spice
While in Miami, Brooks enjoyed gold steak from Nusr-et Steakhouse, home of chef Nusret Gökçe, also known as "Salt Bae." The steak, which costs $1,000, is a bone-in wagyu ribeye encrusted in 24-karat gold leaf.
The fine dining came ahead of his appetite on the basketball court. He started the third quarter tweaking his ankle while being fouled on a 3-pointer but stayed in the game after making all three free throws.
The Heat wished he didn't. Brooks made four 3-pointers in the period and finished 8-for-11 shooting. When Iguodala checked in, Brooks blew by him for a pair of layups.
"A hell of a quarter by DB. That was fun to watch," said coach Taylor Jenkins, who was happier Brooks ended the quarter with an assist to Tyus Jones for a corner 3-pointer
Brooks was three points shy of Jaren Jackson Jr.'s franchise record of 26 points in a quarter.
As for the steak?
"It tastes the same but it just cost me a little more," Brooks said.
Ja Morant leaves game, says he's 'all good'
Ja Morant set an early tone with four assists in the first quarter as Jonas Valanciunas scored 15 of his 20 points in the period. Anderson also had 17 of his 19 points in the first half.
He was quiet with his scoring with 10 points but late in the fourth, he looked stiff walking to the scorer's table and was escorted to the locker room. He felt tightness in his back and didn't want to risk anything with the game in hand.
Bench steps up
With Brandon Clarke, De'anthony Melton and Justise Winslow out with injuries, the Grizzlies played three rookies Desmond Bane, Xavier Tillman and Killian Tillie.
All three helped deliver on both ends. Bane had 15 points and Tillman added 11 points. More importantly, the bench extended leads in the second and fourth quarter with great defense.
It was another moment of growth for the young Grizzlies, who also made 17 3pointers and have made a season-high 52 3-pointers in the last three games.