Memphis Grizzlies: Avery Bradley, Jonas Valanciunas Shine In Heartbreaking Loss

The Memphis Grizzlies may have lost but we got some great play from the newcomers. Avery Bradley and Jonas Valanciunas both had great games in Tuesday night’s game vs the Spurs.

The Memphis Grizzlies lost a tough one at home against the San Antonio Spurs 107-108. Avery Bradley and Jonas Valanciunas both showed out by putting up huge stat lines in this game.

Jaren Jackson Jr. had a rough game today finishing with just nine points on 2-7 shooting. He made a big three-point shot down the stretch as well as getting to the free-throw line with just one second left to play but he would miss the first one before accidentally banking in the second shot to cut the lead to one.

It was a tough way to lose especially considering the lack of respect from the officials in this game. That foul with one second left in the game was the Spurs’ first foul of the fourth quarter.

Despite it being a brutal way to lose we had some huge performances from the newcomers that should have all Grizzlies fans excited. Delon Wright made the start in Mike Conley‘s absence and he finished with four points, six assists, and eight rebounds. Memphis being able to play the way they did without Conley is very impressive.

Avery Bradley was the guy who stole the show tonight though as he was absolutely on fire from the field making 15-21 shots as he set a new career high in scoring with 33 points. He also tallied six rebounds and six assists while also defending Demar DeRozan for a large part of the game who finished with just 12 points on 5-19 shooting.

He has struggled this season with the Clippers but the change of scenery is already proving to be extremely beneficial for him. It’ll be exciting to see how he fits alongside Conley if they’re paired together long-term.

This was Valanciunas’ Grizzlies debut and he made a huge impact. He was effective on both ends of the floor and while we could critic his ball screen defense some he was fantastic in almost every other area of the game.

He was a big factor on the offensive end to go with his rebounding on the defensive end as he finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds. His 9-11 shooting from the field was fantastic as he was a force to be reckoned with inside.

The variety of moves he showed in this game was incredible. He was able to catch the ball on the low block and go to work as well as being able to catch it away from the basket while being able to get to the rim and finish.

You would always like a win to come from it but the way those two played makes the Grizzlies’ future look a lot better. If Conley is good to go in Chicago tomorrow then expect Memphis to enter the all-star break on a victory.