Memphis looks to stay afloat
Jones is key as Grizzlies navigate upcoming difficult stretch of games until Morant returns
Tyus Jones pulled up in transition beyond the 3-point line time and time again with zero hesitation. Each time, it felt like the Memphis Grizzlies point guard was going to make the shot, and most of the time he did on Sunday night against the Los Angeles Clippers.
He had one of his best offensive performances in his career when he scored 20 points during a 51-point third quarter. Jones was a bright spot in another fourth-quarter meltdown by the Grizzlies. He finished with 25 points and 12 assists.
Memphis fell 135-129 against the Clippers, but one notable takeaway from the Western Conference showdown was how the Grizzlies can survive the next stretch of games with Jones playing in place of Ja Morant, who is stepping away from the team indefinitely.
The win by the Clippers included a 42-point performance from Paul George, some questionable missed foul calls on him late in the game, and Kawhi Leonard scoring 32 points.
Dillon Brooks, who was suspended one game due to picking up his 16th technical foul against the Denver Nuggets, will be back to guard top perimeter scorers. The Clippers (34-33) outrebounded the Grizzlies 53-26, but Steven Adams, one of the NBA’S best rebounders, is getting close to returning from his injury. He practiced in a five-on-five setting before the game.
“He fared well in the five-on-five,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said. “That’s not a final determining factor. There’s a couple more things that he’s got to check with the medical team, so as I kind of alluded to, potential tail end of the road trip, could be a little bit longer than that. We’ll see what the medical team says when he wakes up tomorrow.”
Xavier Tillman Sr. had 13 points and
said. “Whenever he is ready to come back, we’ll welcome him with open arms.”
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said the Grizzlies will likely feed Jaren Jackson Jr. more with Morant out. Against a smaller Clippers team, Jackson got several touches and finished with 24 points on 8-for-18 shooting.
Jackson and Morant have been teammates the past four seasons and recently became the first Grizzlies duo to be named to the All-star game in the same season. Jackson called Morant “my brother” while also issuing his support.
“I’m happy for whatever he decides to do,” Jackson said. “I trust his judgment. He’s doing what’s best for him. He’s going to come back and take over the league again.”