The Clippers only lasted half a quarter. Then it was a long ordeal for Nicolas Batum and company, unable to keep pace with Ja Morant, or control their racquet.
Ideal conditions for the leader, who was able to go into the paint until he was more thirsty, carrying his entire team in his wake, like a Jaren Jackson Jr (26 points, 11 rebounds) who picked up all the crumbs with his 8 offensive rebounds, or even Brandon Clarke (18 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists) off the bench.
There was a world of difference between the two formations, enough to generate frustration for the Clippers… like Marcus Morris, sent off following his big foul on Ja Morant in the third quarter.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The Rhythm of the Grizzlies. Big defense and big pace. The formula often puts opponents of the Grizzlies on the ropes and Memphis showed it again tonight. Tyronn Lue had however warned his men that it was not possible to provide ammunition to Ja Morant and company, under penalty of seeing them explode in counter-attack. But his men lost 17 balls, leading to 21 easy points for the locals…
– Memphis hibernates in the snowshoe. Hard to stop Ja Morant and the Grizzlies when given such access to the circle. The stats are generally enough to convey the impression: 78 points (against 46) scored in the paint for Memphis, 55 rebounds (including 21 offensive) against 40. A real carnage.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Ja Morant. The All-Star feasted. Still well helped by the good screens of Steven Adams, he was able to attack the circle at will and disgust the Clippers with his crazy pace. 30 points at 12/19 shooting, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. His 5 stray balls are the only downside to his performance.
✅ Jaren Jackson Jr.. A single 3-pointer for the interior, who mainly picked up offensive rebounds and attacked the intervals ball in hand to finish near the circle. While he still hopes to participate in the All-Star Game (as a substitute in case of injury?), He compiles 26 points and 11 rebounds.
⛔ The Clippers’ major five. Overall, it was complicated for the entire Los Angeles team but the five majors suffered particularly against the opposing rhythm, seeming “old” at times. Between the ball losses of Reggie Jackson and the lack of impact of Nicolas Batum, Marcus Morris and Ivica Zubac, only Norman Powell finally showed interesting things. A little ray of sunshine in the heart of the storm.
THE FOLLOWING
Memphis (38-18): trip to Detroit tomorrow night
LA Clippers (27-29): new complicated trip, on the Dallas side, also tomorrow evening
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