Studs and Duds from statement win over Brooklyn Nets

Memphis Grizzlies stave off 78-point combo from Durant, Irving in huge win

The Memphis Grizzlies, owners of the second-best record in the NBA, hosted the Brooklyn Nets in a dazzling nationally televised game, despite the absence of Ja Morant.

Morant was sidelined for the second consecutive game with knee soreness, was on the bench in street clothes as he did his best to motivate, cheer and inspire his teammates as they took on a very dangerous Nets team.

The Nets, also not at full strength, were missing several players, including key contributors Goran Dragic, Seth Curry and Ben Simmons.

But the balanced attack of the Grizzlies was too much for the top-heavy Nets. Despite Kyrie Irving scoring 43 points and Kevin Durant dropping 35, the Nets couldn’t keep up with the second-best team in the NBA.

Memphis was in the driver’s seat for nearly the entire game, all the way until the final buzzer sounded with a Grizzlies 132-120 win at home.

Make no mistake, this Brooklyn Nets team is so much better than their 38-35 record. Once they get healthy and get their key contributors back, they should be one of the favorites to win the Eastern Conference.

The Grizzlies improve to 50-23 on the season, which is tied for the third-most wins in a single season in franchise history. The also improve to 15-2 without Ja Morant, underscoring just how successful and deep this roster has been this season. Shout-out GM Zach Kleiman.

Let’s take a look at some of the key performers and some of the underwhelming performances from the 50th win of the season for the Grizzlies.