Memphis Grizzlies: Hustle Poised For Deep Run After First Playoff Win In Franchise History

The Memphis Grizzlies aren’t going to be participating in the NBA Playoffs after an up and down season. The Memphis Hustle are looking to make a deep playoff run after picking up their first postseason win in Franchise history.

On a night where the Memphis Grizzlies lost we witnessed the Memphis Hustle pick up their first playoff win in franchise history. Markel Crawford had a big game to lead the way while a former Grizzly, Troy Williams led the way for the Stockton Kings.

Williams made his NBA debut with the Grizzlies during the 2016-17 season so this game had a nice familiar twist. He also had a fantastic game as he finished with 33 points and 6 rebounds.

The Hustle had a good team effort with their stars leading the way. Crawford had the best game, finishing with 28 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals. He went 10-19 from the field including 5-12 from three-point range.

Yuta Watanabe also had a good game finishing with 23 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks. Dusty Hannahs had a good offensive performance as he scored 26 points including four made three-pointers. They had three players lead the way to their first postseason victory in franchise history.

The game was tied at 119 before Jay-R Stowbridge hit a three-pointer from the corner to put the Hustle up by three with 1.9 seconds remaining. He hadn’t made a shot all game before this three-pointer, but when he got this chance to redeem himself he made it count.

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They’ve had success all season long so it is good to see them be able to get a win on the road in the playoffs. This was an impressive win as they were without many of their key players in this game.

The Grizzlies are shorthanded at the NBA level so guys such as Jevon Carter, Tyler Dorsey, and Julian Washburn were all playing for the Grizzlies Wednesday. They’ve dealt with this all season though so it wasn’t a big deal, there were a few injuries that were key.

They were without key players Tarik Phillip and Tyler Harvey in this game. Those are two guys they’ve relied on throughout the season and they needed guys to step up in their place. Yuta Watanabe was able to play and he played a big role in getting the win.

This is something that all G-league teams go through so it isn’t a valid excuse for any team that losses. This is a developmental league for the NBA so these players aren’t trying to be on these teams for long. It’s all about getting the call up to the NBA so these rosters go through changes all season long.

The Hustle now get set to take on the top seed in the Western Conference, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. The Vipers are led by Gary Payton II and Michael Frazier. They are the top seed for a reason so the Hustle will need to play well if they want to advance.

Jevon Carter will be available for this game after all. He has been assigned to the Hustle to play in this game. With the Grizzlies not playing until Saturday this is a huge addition for the Hustle as they look to keep their season alive.

The game will take place at Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas at 7:00 PM CT. It will be an exciting game and if the Hustle play how they’re capable of, then they have a chance to pull off the upset.

The Memphis Grizzlies are building toward the future so it’s good to see their G-League affiliate, The Memphis Hustle having this kind of success. Our team at Beale Street Bears wishes them the best of luck during the rest of their postseason run.