Memphis Grizzlies: Memphis Hustle Get Win Over Raptors 905 In G-League Showcase Opener

The Memphis Grizzlies have some good young talent with the Memphis Hustle. They were able to get a victory in their G-League Showcase opener.

The Memphis Hustle took care of business over the Raptors 905 in their G-League showcase opener. Look for some of these guys to get a shot with the Memphis Grizzlies or some other NBA team in the future.

It was a good all-around team effort in this game. They did have to make a late adjustment though as Ivan Rabb was pulled during pregame warmups to be sent to Portland for the Grizzlies game.

With Joakim Noah questionable and not participating in the morning shootaround it seems unlikely he will play though he is still listed as a game-time decision.

It’s unlikely Rabb will play a big role tonight but they needed to have him just in case. The Hustle had a few bigs such as Doral Moore and Kyle Casey step up in his absence.

They have played more games without him than with him so this was an adjustment they were more than capable of making it was just tough to do so right before tip-off.

Moore finished this game with 16 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 assists. He was a factor on both ends of the floor with his size.

He was able to finish on the offensive end and made a big impact on the defensive end with his ability to contest shots.

It’s hard to judge how he can fit into an NBA roster as he isn’t a great fit in today’s game but anybody with his size and ability to impact the game has a shot to be a good player.

Casey had a good game off the bench with 13 points and 6 rebounds. He did a little bit on both ends and played with the energy needed to help this team get a victory.

Both of the Grizzlies two-way players started and made a big impact in this game on both ends of the floor that showed why they were so deserving of those contracts.

Yuta Watanabe and DJ Stephens have both played for the Grizzlies at some point this season. They both could have the chance to make a full-time NBA roster next season with either Memphis or another team.

Watanabe finished this game with a quiet 20 points to go along with 11 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks. He did a little bit of everything in this game but was overshadowed at times by his teammates.

He shot just 5-10 from the field but he did go 11-12 from the free-throw line which shows he was still very much aggressive in this game.

Stephens didn’t fill up the stat sheet as Watanabe did but he did have a couple of highlight plays. He finished with 13 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks, and an assist.

His ability to finish above the rim is a difference maker for him. It’s a big part of his game and gives him a chance to make a highlight on every play.

The two starting guards for the Hustle both had big days. Tyler Harvey and Tarik Phillip were both keys to getting this victory.

Harvey led the way offensively for Memphis with 28 points. He also had eight assists, seven rebounds, and two steals.

His ability to attack the basket and score in a variety of ways was big in opening up opportunities for his teammates.

Phillip also had a big day with 14 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. He did a little bit of everything and brought the toughness he plays with on a daily basis.

Two guards off of the bench also came in and made a difference as they have all season long. Markel Crawford and Dusty Hannahs had good games as they continue to play at a high level.

These two have also become fan favorites as Crawford made a name for himself while Hannahs is back from last seasons Hustle squad.

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Crawford finished the game with six points, four steals, three assists, and a rebound. He didn’t make a big difference offensively like he has some games but he still made an impact in other ways.

Hannahs is largely known for his shooting which he still showed in this game but he also showed his ability to attack the basket and get easy looks for his teammates.

He had 17 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal in just 19 minutes of action. He is known as an offensive player and he put on a show despite being playing limited minutes due to some foul trouble.

Everyone on this team played hard and made an impact in one way or another. That’s the mindset the Grizzlies play with and they’ve started to develop that mindset with the Hustle.

As a team, they shot 53% from the field and 37% from three-point range. They did a good job in this game and they were in control off this game for the majority of this game.

They get set to take on the Wisconsin Herd at 3:30 ET on NBA TV tomorrow December 20th. The players will have another chance to perform and impress NBA scouts and front offices as 10-day contracts become available for NBA teams on January 5th.