Ja Morant and Desmond Bane sat on the bench at Capital One Area, a day after main the Memphis Grizzlies undoubtedly their greatest victory of the season in opposition to the Boston Celtics.
This time, the star of the backcourt was lower than the duty. Regardless of that, Sunday’s sport in opposition to the Washington Wizards was virtually by no means doubtful.
The Grizzlies beat Washington 140-112, their third straight victory, and one which illustrates the depth that has change into the expectation of this staff.
No Morant? No downside – Scotty Pippen Jr. had 14 factors and 12 assists. It was his sixth double-double in factors and assists this season, tied with Morant for the staff lead.
No Scourge? Marcus Good, who had a troublesome sport in opposition to the Celtics, joined the beginning lineup and had an environment friendly night time, ending with 13 factors and making three of six 3-point makes an attempt.
It was not solely the replacements who mobilized. Memphis had a document 76 factors off their bench.
Washington (3-19) is likely one of the worst groups within the league, however the Grizzlies did what staff is meant to do in these conditions. There have been solely two lead modifications, and so they led by as many as 35 factors.
Santi Aldama leads the bench
Do not look now, but when there is a chief for these Grizzlies’ second unit, it is Santi Aldama. He makes a powerful early-season case as a prime candidate for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Yr award. In opposition to the Wizards, Aldama continued his excessive degree of play, ending with 19 factors, seven rebounds and 5 assists.
What made Sunday a standout efficiency was his protection. He had three blocks and a steal in simply 20 minutes of motion.
Cam Spencer is making an affect on the NBA
Cam Spencer’s preseason ankle damage is now properly behind him. He acquired some good minutes with the G League Hustle final week, and that point appeared useful to him.
Spencer regarded calm and prepared when his quantity was known as. He led all reserves with 25 minutes performed. Throughout this era, he collected 14 factors, 5 assists and made two 3-point baskets.
Often called a takedown shooter, Spencer’s growth in different areas of his sport can be key in figuring out how a lot he performs. He confirmed playmaking expertise and toughness in Sunday’s win.
It is time to relaxation!
Solely the Orlando Magic have performed extra video games than the Grizzlies. Memphis will now have 4 days off till its subsequent sport at 7 p.m. CT Friday in opposition to the Brooklyn Nets at FedExForum.
The Grizzlies will apply throughout this time. It is necessary for a staff that has received 9 of its final ten video games to do its greatest to maintain the tempo.
The break comes on the proper time. Memphis is recovering, however Morant (again) and Bane (left toe) each missed Sunday’s sport with soreness. Rookie middle Zach Edey can also be being monitored after a delay in his return from an ankle damage.
Memphis will enter its mini-hiatus because the No. 2 seed within the Western Convention.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat author for The Business Attraction. Contact Damichaël at [email protected]. Comply with Damichael on X, previously referred to as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This text was initially revealed on Memphis Business Attraction: No, Ja Morant? Memphis Grizzlies depth, bench star vs. Wizards
