Memphis Grizzlies: Bench thrives, but still drops L to Nets

The Memphis Grizzlies’ bench put on a stellar performance, but it wasn’t enough, as they fell to the Brooklyn Nets, 115-118.

This game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Brooklyn Nets had all the makings of a snooze-fest. The Grizz were without Marc Gasol and Tyreke Evans, leaving them with the tank-tastic starting lineup of Andrew Harrison, Dillon Brooks, Jarell Martin, JaMychal Green and Deyonta Davis. Not to mention, the Nets are among the league’s bottom-feeders without their own pick. Clearly, they’re just not a good team surrounded by tankers.

However, it was quite an offensive showcase. Both teams shot above 50 percent — the Grizzlies shot over 60 percent in the first half. The Nets drained 16 of their 40 3-pointers, while the Grizzlies cracked double-digits with 10 triples.

There was even a dramatic fourth quarter where Memphis blew a seven-point lead and almost got it back in the final seconds.

All in all, it wasn’t quite the blunder you expected. It was actually a fun game to watch.

Back like he never left

Andrew Harrison missed the past nine games because of a wrist injury. He made his return in this game, and it’s like he never left. Prior to his injury, Harrison averaged 15.6 points on 47.4 percent shooting from the field (40.5 percent from deep), 4.5 assists and three rebounds in the month of February.

In this matchup against the Nets, he finished with 19 points and eight assists. His shooting numbers (7-16 from the field, 1-5 from deep and 4-8 from the free-throw line) weren’t on par, but what do you expect from someone returning from a wrist injury? Despite the poor shooting performance, he found a way to impact the game — finishing with a team-high +/- of +21.

It’s imperative for Harrison to continue this hot stretch to close this season. If he does this, he’ll secure the backup point guard position for next season.

Bench mob

At the beginning of the season, the Memphis Grizzlies unlocked a dangerous bench unit that blitzed teams. Unfortunately, the Mike Conley injury broke up the tandem, and the rest is history.

However, the bench mob of Chandler Parsons, Ben McLemore, Wayne Selden, Ivan Rabb and Briante Weber came to play. They combined for 60 points and seven 3-pointers.

More from Grizzlies News

• Dillon Brooks speaks out after beating former Grizzlies teammate in World Cup
• Jaren Jackson Jr. puts ex-Grizzlies teammate on notice
• 3 players Grizzlies would consider trading Ja Morant for
• Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. put on blast following FIBA elimination
• Ex-Grizzlies guard signs with title favorite, joins forces with 6-time All-Star

Wayne Selden led the way, finishing with 17 points and connecting on three of his seven triples. Briante Weber also provided a spark on both ends, scoring 15 points and tallying three steals.

Though they couldn’t get it done, high-scoring bench performances are important for building a playoff-contending team next season.

HE DID WHAT??

What’s up, my dudes? In case you didn’t see … CHANDLER PARSONS DUNKED THE BASKETBALL:

No, it’s not fake. Yes, it’s actually Chandler Parsons.

Aside from this dunking, Parsons played one of his best games of 2018. In only 16 minutes of action, he scored 13 points, hit all three of his 3-pointers and stole the ball twice.

Though it isn’t what you expect from someone with his contract, it’s truly a step in the right direction for Parsons and the Grizzlies. He simply looked lively and was in a groove on the court.

It’s important for Parsons to string together good performances and carry momentum into next season — for everyone’s sake. If he can build consistency and become a 50-60 game contributor for this team, it’ll surely help their chances of competing for a good playoff spot.

Next: Finding Chandler Parsons role with the Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies continue their road trip, as they travel to Charlotte on Thursday to take on the Hornets.