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Memphis Grizzlies Defeat Detroit in Game One in Vegas

By Brendan Smart

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 7: DJ Stephens #20 of the Memphis Grizzlies goes to the basket against the Detroit Pistons during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 7, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 7: DJ Stephens #20 of the Memphis Grizzlies goes to the basket against the Detroit Pistons during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 7, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Following a 2-1 run in the Utah Summer League, the Memphis Grizzlies started their Las Vegas Summer League run with a win against a gritty Detroit Pistons team.

I would call this game a good “warm up” game for Memphis. Both teams coming off of tough losses, and for Memphis this game was a great mental warm up for what is to come in the next week and a half.

Detroit played their best Detroit basketball on Saturday night, and that is playing tough defense, and forcing Memphis out of their comfort zone. Memphis lead for mostly the entire game, but it felt like the lead never grew more than six points at a time.

Key Player Reviews:

Jaren Jackson Jr., had a fantastic night all-around. Causing havoc on both ends of the floor, and talking with NBA Legends throughout the game. Talking with NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo during halftime, and exchanging high fives at the final horn.

In Jackson’s 24 minutes of action tonight, he had 12 points, one assist, eight rebounds, and four monstrous blocks.

https://twitter.com/memgrizz/status/1015789221464829952

Wayne Selden Jr., had himself a night as well, but it has become something we expect out of him. Selden continued to be the Grizzlies rock when things would get stagnant, Selden would make a play. Continuing to push the momentum in Memphis’ favor throughout a very close game. Selden was clutch.

In Selden’s 25 minutes of floor time tonight, he finished with 20 points, one assist, four rebounds, on 8/15 shooting. Selden continues to be the Grizzlies steady hand.

Kobi Simmons seemed to finally calm down tonight. Throughout his four games of Summer League, this is the lowest scoring game so far. Tonight he had flashes, but just seemed to do a little too much with the ball at the wrong time. However, it is okay, because we know what Simmons is, and he just had a rough floor game Saturday night.

Simmons finished with 12 points in his 29 minutes of floor time. Simmons also had two assists, and two rebounds in Saturday nights victory.

Other Headlines:

Grizzlies forward D.J. Stephens finally joined the team in Vegas, and had a good game. Getting a break away way layup and two thunderous blocks. (Below)

Last headline of the night, Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks was not in attendance for Saturday’s contest. It hasn’t been announced to why, but I don’t think that Memphis should put Brooks through a Summer League after his off season with the Canadian team.

No matter the age, keep the tires fresh, because Memphis will be using Brooks a ton in the upcoming regular season.

What’s next?

Memphis will continue its Summer League action Sunday night on ESPN 2 against the Orlando Magic at 8:00 P.M. CST.

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