No Ja Morant, no problem. With their backs against the wall facing elimination, the Memphis Grizzlies moved to 21-6 without their All-Star guard in a massive 134-95 spanking of the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 at home to extend the series.
Absolutely no one could've predicted the Grizzlies would dominate to this extent, but between the Dubs' sloppy play and the Grizz thriving in every way imaginable, it ended up being a convincing victory.
Here are 3 wild facts from Wednesday's contest.
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3 facts from Grizzlies shellacking of Warriors without Ja
3. Grizzlies led by 55 at one point
Yes, you read that correctly. Memphis owned a 55-point lead in this contest and never trailed. Going into halftime, the Grizzlies were up 77-50 and proceeded to outscore the Warriors 42-17 in the third quarter to really take a firm stranglehold. In fact, this was the highest-scoring playoff game in franchise history, and what better way to do it than against a Golden State team that is still considered a title favorite.
It was truly an all-around performance, too. Six different players finished in double-figures, with Desmond Bane, Tyus Jones, and Jaren Jackson Jr all putting up 21 points apiece. They were having their way with the Dubs' defense, with this trio draining 12 triples combined. The Grizzlies will surely be confident heading back to the Bay Area.
2. Grizzlies capitalized off Warriors' lack of aggression
Golden State was extremely flat and careless. Memphis capitalized off that from the tip. The Dubs committed a whopping 22 turnovers that the Grizzlies translated into 29 points. Talk about punishing your opponents. Their athleticism and spryness were also on full display, cooking Steph Curry and Co. in transition to the tune of 16-9.
But the Grizzlies didn't only thrive off Golden State's inability to keep the ball. They showed far more want and desire inside, outscoring them 24-5 on second-chance points. The likes of Jackson Jr, Bane, and Jones, among others, did a great job of not giving up on plays and making the most of every possession. The Grizzlies were hungry for the win and they did all the little things right.
1. Grizzlies had 12 steals
Memphis ranked 1st in the Association with 9.8 steals per game during the regular season. Golden State is typically a very smart, put-together team that does a great job of taking care of the rock. But, it was the total opposite in Game 5 and the Grizzlies took full advantage, notching 12 steals. The best part? Almost every single player in the rotation had a steal, with De'Anthony Melton and Tyus Jones tallying two each.
There wasn't a single guy who didn't show up to play on Wednesday. They all brought it on both ends and locked in, knowing the season could be over. Sure, the Dubs made their lives easier by practically not even showing up, but the Grizzlies deserve credit for this masterclass.
A couple of other tidbits:
- The Grizzlies shot 44% from deep and 48% from the field
- They were only 22 for 30 from the charity stripe. This could've been more of a blowout
- Memphis dominated the boards 55-37 and 18-4 on offensive rebounds. Difference-maker.
- Points in the paint? 50-36.
The Grizzlies might be without Ja Morant for the remainder of these playoffs, but this squad isn't going down without a fight.
Grit n' Grind.
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