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Memphis Grizzlies Dominate Game One Against OKC Thunder

By Brendan Smart

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 12: Jevon Carter #3 of the Memphis Grizzlies goes to the basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 12, 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 12: Jevon Carter #3 of the Memphis Grizzlies goes to the basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 12, 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 12: Jevon Carter #3 of the Memphis Grizzlies goes to the basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 12, 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 12: Jevon Carter #3 of the Memphis Grizzlies goes to the basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 12, 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Memphis Grizzlies entered their Las Vegas Summer League tournament play (1-2) seeded 27th out of 30 teams. Memphis showed tonight that they were the better team with a solid audience behind them.

Memphis Stayed True

The Memphis Grizzlies started off the game excellently. They made it known that they were not just your average low seed. That is the definition of “Grit ‘N’ Grind,” right? Memphis, without their two best guards in Kobi Simmons and Wayne Selden, fought past an Oklahoma City Thunder (2-1) team that was far from a pushover.

Analyzing the Grizzlies’ Victory

Memphis’ victory started in the first quarter with their quick start on the defensive end of the floor. The Grizzlies went on a 15-0 run throughout that second quarter to build the lead to as much as 21 at halftime. A lot of the offense generated in that run was in transition after the OKC Thunder could not score due to Memphis’ tight defense.

The second half was not as crisp as the first. The third quarters continue to be the Memphis Grizzlies’ struggle. To start the second half, Memphis came out sluggish on both ends of the floor, giving up 12 straight points to open the third.

In the fourth quarter, Memphis played smart team basketball. Jaren Jackson Jr. helped lead the Grizzlies to their first victory of tournament play in Las Vegas.

Analyzing the Memphis Grizzlies’ Leaders

  • Jevon Carter: The rookie started Memphis off in that first quarter, and then pushed the team to the finishline. I talked in my preview of this game about Kobi Simmons choosing his spots on offense. He learned a lot from Carter tonight. Carter has not had a good game this Summer League, but we all saw improved signs throughout these games. Jevon Carter finished tonight’s game with 19 points, eight assists, and eight rebounds.
  • Markel Crawford: If Carter was the lightning of that first half, then Crawford was the thunder. I, along with several others, have been waiting for Crawford to start lighting up the stat sheets, and tonight he did. In the first half, Markel Crawford had only missed one shot and went 3/3 from deep. He played a huge role in the team’s run during that first half. Markel had 15 points in the first half, and finished with 21 points on the evening with 8/10 shooting, including 3/4 from three-point range.
  • Jaren Jackson Jr.: Jackson helped limp the Memphis Grizzlies to the finishline on both ends of the floor in that second half. Getting three blocks, and being more involved in the offense were keys to the game. Passing the ball very well and being patient in the offense were other positive signs by JJJ.

Plus, check out this find by Jevon Carter leading to a Jaren Jackson Jr. slam…

JJJ was getting it done defensively!

Jaren Jackson Jr. finished the game with 16 points, two assists, and six rebounds to go with his three blocks in 29 minutes of play for the victorious Memphis Grizzlies.

What’s Next for Memphis?

Memphis escapes the first round and will face either the Utah Jazz or Orlando Magic on Saturday night. The game will be televised on ESPN2 at 7:30 P.M. CT.

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