Memphis Grizzlies tie franchise record with eighth straight win in dominant victory vs Clippers
The Memphis Grizzlies haven't been given many favors lately, but it isn't stopping what has become a historic run. Ja Morant and Steven Adams were out on the road against the Los Angeles Clippers and a third starter, Dillon Brooks, played seven minutes.
The train kept rolling as the Grizzlies defeated the Clippers, 123-108 at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday. Memphis (27-14) has won eight consecutive games, which is tied for the longest streak in team history. The Grizzlies won eight consecutive game in 2004, 2012, 2013 and 2015. The 27-14 record is also the best start at the halfway point of a season since the 2014-15 team went 29-12.
Both teams were missing key players. In addition to the Grizzlies, the Clippers (19-21) were without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. The Clippers got off to a hot start but the Grizzlies showcased their depth when the Clippers' hot shooting vanished.
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins also entered health and safety protocols before the game. Brad Jones stepped in as acting coach.
"We have played with multiple different lineups all year," Desmond Bane said. "I think it has helped us in these situations. Just being able to play with different guys will help come playoff time."
Here are some observations from Saturday's win:
Dynamic duo
Morant was out and Brooks was injured early in the second quarter with the Grizzlies trailing by six points. Someone had to step up without the top two scorers, and it turned out to be the team's next two leading scorers.
Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 17 points in the first half. He was aggressive offensively and dominated with activity on defense. He finished with 26 points, five blocks and three steals. It was his first start at center this season.
Desmond Bane scored eight consecutive points, highlighted by a transition pull-up 3-pointer in the third quarter. He finished with 23 points on 9-of-15 shooting.
Bane (+29) and Jackson (+31) finished with the highest plus-minuses. Each time someone goes down, there have been Grizzlies players who take advantage.
"(The Clippers) struggled with how to handle (Jackson) today," Jones said. "Just with Zubac, they want to put a smaller guy on him, then he can just bully them and get to them. He's just so versatile and so talented."
Block party in LA
Jackson wasn't the only one getting blocks against the Clippers. Brandon Clarke had three blocks and Bane, Jarrett Culver, Santi Aldama each added blocks. The Grizzlies had 11 blocks, which was their second most this season.
Weathering the storm
To say the Clippers came out hot is an understatement. They made five of their first six 3-pointers and Marcus Morris was trying to win an award for best difficult shot-maker. The hot start was more of the Clippers' offense not missing than the Grizzlies' defense struggling. A 12-point Clippers first quarter lead was methodically erased and turned into a 10-point Grizzlies lead at the half.
The Grizzlies have been able to take a team's best shot and overcome it because of an active defense. They had a 23-9 advantage in points off turnovers against the Clippers. Memphis' 10 double digit comebacks is the most in the NBA.
Next up
The Grizzlies will play again Sunday at Crypto.com Arena against the Los Angeles Lakers. Memphis has won two of the three meetings this season, including a 104-99 home victory on Dec. 29. The Lakers have found success with playing LeBron James at center. Before the last meeting, the Lakers opted against that lineup because of the challenge that Steven Adams presents. Now with Adams in health and safety protocols, the Lakers may opt for James at center. Tip-off is at 8:30 p.m.
MORANT: Here's where Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant ranks in NBA all-star voting
JENKINS: Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins win second career Coach of the Month award
CULTURE: Memphis Grizzlies' ascension in Western Conference boils down to one word
Contact Damichael Cole at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com and on Twitter @damichaelc
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies top Los Angeles Clippers without Ja Morant, Brooks
