How much did the Memphis Grizzlies miss the FedExForum crowd? After Ja Morant missed a free throw with nine seconds left, a spontaneous chant started as he regrouped
“Let’s Go Ja! Let’s Go Ja!” rang out through the arena. Morant responded making the second free throw with eight seconds left. It was enough cushion for the Grizzlies to escape with a 100-96 win over the San Antonio Spurs.
It was also enough drama for the NBA’s first-play in tournament and kept the Grizzlies’ season alive through Friday. They’ll travel to face either the Golden State Warriors or Los Angeles Lakers
Valanciunas, Brooks deliver big
Lost in Sunday’s loss to the Warriors was Jonas Valanciunas having 29 points and 16 rebounds. He dominated the Spurs Wednesday with 21 points and 20 rebounds through three quarters
Valanciunas finished with 23 points and 23 rebounds, showing again why he’s been the Grizzlies’ most consistent player since the All-Star break. But Dillon Brooks perhaps played one of his most disciplined, effective games of the season.
Brooks had eight fourth quarter points to push the Grizzlies forward and finished with a team-high 24 points. He also avoided foul trouble and helped hold DeMar DeRozan to just 5-of-21 shooting as DeRozan worked for his 20 points.
Larger crowd adds boost
For the Grizzlies’ biggest home game in four years, it helped that FedExForum raised attendance to 40% capacity. The Grizzlies fed off it early with a 27-4 first quarter run as the cheers spurred them on.
The Spurs countered in the second with a 17-0 run and it remained close. But the Grizzlies found life hearing their fans. After Morant forced a fourth quarter turnover, he yelled at the fans near him and they got even louder in response.
As they waved “Growl Towels” and got loud without artificial noise aiding them on, the Grizzlies needed as the Spurs kept things close. Rudy Gay’s 3-pointer cut the Grizzlies’ lead to 99-96 but Morant’s free throw ended the game.
Staying Alive
Morant’s 20 points in 41 minutes came despite shooting 8-for-20 from the field and 2-of-6 on free throws. The Spurs, led by Dejounte Murray, sent multiple defenders at him and tried to keep him out of the point.
Morant added six rebounds and six assists But Wednesday’s wins were about Valanciunas and Brooks shouldering the load. It was about coach Taylor Jenkins adjusting by shortening his rotation and leaning heavily on his starters, who scored all but 14 points.
More important, it was about being disciplined. A young team that was 3-7 in games decided by three points or less, stayed composed when the Spurs got close and now they’re one win away from getting the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
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You can reach Evan Barnes on Twitter (@Evan_B) or by email at evan.barnes@commercialappeal.com
