Williams improves shooting in Grizzlies’ sudden-death loss
Ziaire Williams looked more comfortable in his second NBA Summer League game, though his off-the-court diet that got more attention.
Williams scored a team-high 19 points in the Memphis Grizzlies’ 97-94 double overtime loss to the Miami Heat on Wednesday. But during the NBA TV broadcast, Grizzlies play-byplay announcer Pete Pranica said Williams is eating 5,000 calories a day.
When the Grizzlies introduced him, Williams said he ate that much to add strength to his 6-foot-8, 185-pound frame. For the curious, the recommended daily calorie intake for men is 2,500 calories.
If stomachs are churning at Williams
eating twice that much, it’s understandable. The extra food, however, didn’t hurt his performance in the Grizzlies’ first loss in Las Vegas, which ended on a 3-pointer by Max Strus in sudden death.
Williams improves from debut
Williams showed off a better shooting touch by making four 3-pointers, including a pair in the fourth quarter. He made his first four shots and finished 6-for-10 from the field, while adding two rebounds and two steals.
He also showed good touch on a floater in the second quarter and looked more comfortable despite picking up six fouls. After a low-scoring debut Monday, Williams’ second game
showed much more of the versatile scorer the Grizzlies imagine he can be.
Santi Aldama’s early struggles
Santi Aldama went 1-for-7 in his first game Monday. It didn’t get much better for the Grizzlies’ other first round pick Wednesday.
Aldama got the start but shot 1-for-9, including 0-for-5 on 3-pointers. He also was on the wrong end of a posterizing dunk in the third quarter.
Tillman, the Creator
Xavier Tillman Sr. and Desmond Bane have used the summer league to show leadership, and they’ve also been good facilitators as much as scorers. Bane, in fact, has played point guard in both Salt Lake City and Las Vegas.
Tillman had seven assists Monday and followed up with a team-high seven assists Wednesday, along with 14 points. Bane had 16 points and four assists.
“Xavier and Desmond, they are playing with a bigger role and trying to get the ball more in their hands so they can experience those situations and continue to grow,” Grizzlies summer league coach Darko Rajakovic said. “This is going to be a very valuable experience for them.”
Killian Tillie leaves with injury
Killian Tillie had another solid game (nine points), but in the fourth quarter he slipped on the court and was down for a bit.
He came up slow and appeared to be holding his groin. He tried to walk it off but checked out and didn’t return. Rajakovic said Tillie was still being evaluated and his status for Friday’s game against the Sacramento Kings (8 p.m., ESPNU) is to be determined.
Vets watching
Ja Morant wasn’t the only Grizzlies player courtside Wednesday. Jaren Jackson Jr., Kyle Anderson and new addition Steven Adams were spotted watching the game as well.