Still deprived of Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, the Jazz failed to create the feat against Memphis. Too soft defensively and predictable offensively, Quin Snyder’s players lasted only 12 minutes before letting go and losing 119-109. It’s the 10th loss in 12 games for Utah, unable to keep pace with Ja Morant.
With Desmond Bane back at his side, the neo All-Star took the reins of the game in the second quarter, enjoying dominance under the panels of Jaren Jackson Jr. Alongside them, Ziaire Williams is 100% on shots , and Memphis reached the break with an eight-point lead (59-51).
Back from the locker room, Ja Morant changed partners, and it was Brandon Clarke who took over to take advantage of the lob passes and crush several alley-oops. The Jazz are overwhelmed, and Memphis begins the fourth quarter with a 10-point lead (88-78). Despite a comeback signed Royce O’Neale and Danuel House Jr, Memphis keeps the hand until the end, and now has three more victories than its evening opponent.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Indispensable Gobert. Without its French pivot, the Jazz becomes a very average team. Especially when there is Ja Morant in front, able to make the difference by his penetrations or to find outfielders in the back of the defenders. An uplifting stat: Memphis scored 66 points in the racket!
– The wealth of the Memphis workforce. When we think of Memphis, we obviously think of Ja Morant, but the strength of the Grizzlies is above all collective. Not content with having enthusiasm and energy to spare, this team has a dozen interchangeable players, good on both sides of the field. Brandon Clarke, Jaren Jackson Jr. or Desmond Bane are very good lieutenants.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Ja Morant. In front of his audience, one of the new darlings of the NBA perfectly celebrated his selection for the All-Star Game. The Grizzlies point guard ends the game with a big triple-double: 30 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds. His impact in the game and on his teammates goes beyond his stat line.
✅ Brandon Clarke. 21 points for him off the bench with a festival of alley-oops. The Jazz clearly has no element of that caliber and Gonzaga’s former interior has feasted above the circle and in runs.
✅ Jaren Jackson Jr.. His name is starting to appear in the race for the best defender. Tonight, he equals his career high with six blocks, and it’s a great launch pad for Ja Morant.
✅ Daniel House Jr. Extended for 10 days, he is the best player on the Jazz side with 21 points off the bench. His 4/6 from 3-pointers allowed his team not to sink in the second half, and even to believe in the hold-up.
⛔The Ingles/Bogdanovic duo. In the absence of Gobert and Mitchell, much was expected of these two. Unfortunately, their impact was not there with an awful 10 out of 30 on shots. The first is in the midst of a crisis of confidence, while the second is playing with a broken ring finger in his left hand.
THE FOLLOWING
Memphis (34-17) : Wizards reception Sunday evening.
Utah (30-20) : Sunday trip to Minnesota.
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