Studs and Duds from Grizzlies failed comeback vs. Magic

Studs in Memphis Grizzlies loss to the Orlando Magic

Desmond Bane

Despite the Grizzlies’ all-around poor shooting night, Desmond Bane was the only exception.

He looked spectacular in his 32 minutes of action, dropping 33 points (11-18 FG, 4-6 3PT, 7-8 FT), two rebounds, one assist, and one steal.

His ability to score at all three levels appears to have taken another leap, as he looked even better driving with a full head of steam and finishing at the basket, navigating around screens, and creating shots with the ball in his hands, as well as the ability to create open looks for himself from three.

He made 4 of the Grizzlies’ 9 three-pointers and was a much-needed offensive juggernaut that kept Memphis in the game with tough bucket after tough bucket.

Desmond Bane showed tonight that he is very capable of taking another leap after his breakout season a year ago and that he is ready to take more of an offensive load this year.

Free Throw Shooting

The Grizzlies struggled in the first three preseason games to consistently make free throws, but tonight they got back on track.

They shot a total of 27 free throws and made 22 of them, good enough for 81.5%.

In a game where buckets were so hard to come by, the Grizzlies needed to make their free throws to stay in the game, and they did just that.

Desmond Bane shot 7-8 from the line, Ja Morant 7-10, and Santi Aldama shot 4-4, which were all encouraging signs.

Drawing fouls and cashing in on free throws will be big for the Grizzlies’ success this season, especially on nights like tonight when shots from the outside aren’t falling.

Santi Aldama

In his 23 minutes of play, Santi Aldama again showed why he is ready to start at the four in Jaren Jackson Jr.’s absence.

Early on, he struggled defensively against the first overall pick Paolo Banchero, allowing three early buckets to the big man. From there, he seemed to get his mojo back and was very effective off-ball.

His stat sheet won’t jump out at you, as he finished with 10 points (3-6 FG, 0-3 3PT, 4-4 FT), eight rebounds (4 OREB), two assists, and one block, but he passed the eye test for the most part and found ways to contribute on both sides of the ball.

Santi seems extremely comfortable and showed that he is ready to contribute to winning basketball for the Grizzlies this season.