Grizzlies Outlast Jazz Despite Nearly Blowing 24-Point Lead

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NBA Analysis Network

During the Wednesday night NBA slate, Jaren Jackson scored 26 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and blocked four shots as the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Utah Jazz 117-111.

Ja Morant scored 20 points on 8-of-26 shooting and had nine assists in the win. Desmond Bane stepped up during Morant’s off shooting night with 24 points.

The Jazz were led by Kelly Olynyk, who scored 28 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, and Jordan Clarkson, who had 20 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.

After trailing by 24 points in the first half, Utah cut Memphis’ lead to 111-110 with 1:28 left through a dunk by Ochai Agbaji (17 points). The Grizzlies won their second straight game thanks to Morant answering back with three points of his own.

“Being up 24, you definitely don’t want to go into the All-Star break after losing a major lead, but we survived,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said.

NBA SCORES & NEWS: Jaren Jackson Jr, Desmond Bane, Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies & Utah Jazz Updates

Jackson attributed Memphis’ success to several factors. It wasn’t a great performance, but the Grizzlies had enough left to beat Utah in the end.

“I can’t tell you what it was,” Jackson said. “I’m just happy they missed some shots late, and we made some shots late. We got the ball to who we wanted to get it to and finished it out.”

A sore right knee kept the Jazz’s scoring leader Lauri Markkanen out of the game. Collin Sexton left the game with a left hamstring injury four minutes into the game. As a result, the Jazz were shorthanded and relied on their reserves. The Utah bench was led by Talen Horton-Tucker, who scored 15 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and dished out seven assists.

NBA SCORES & NEWS: Jaren Jackson Jr, Desmond Bane, Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies & Utah Jazz Updates

The Jazz failed to protect the ball well in the first half, which benefited Memphis. A total of 15 Utah turnovers led to 26 Grizzlies points in the first half. The first half saw Jackson score 16 points, make four 3-pointers and record three blocks and four steals. In the third quarter, Utah outscored Memphis 33-25, cutting Memphis’ lead to 88-80.

“You see everybody’s energy and how they played tonight?” Clarkson said. “Nobody ever gave up throughout the whole game. We had turnovers and missed shots early.”

While missing key players, Clarkson observed that the Jazz were helped by the youthful energy of their team and the new teammates they had acquired.

“One shot away, two plays away from winning the game,” Clarkson said.

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