Following their blowout loss to the Dallas Mavericks over the weekend, the Memphis Grizzlies played host to Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets.
Brooklyn’s roster might be littered with All-Stars, but Memphis had no intentions of backing down. Led by an incredible showing from their backcourt, they managed to walk out of Barclays Center with a 134-124 victory.
Along with putting on an offensive-heavy performance for the Memphis crowd, the Nets and Grizzles etched themselves in the history books. Monday was the third time in history a game had four different players score at least 35 points, and the first time it happened in regulation. Ja Morant and Desmond Bane each went for 38 points, while Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving tallied 37 apiece.
The Grizzlies beat the Nets 134-124. Ja Morant and Desmond Bane each went for 38 Pts, while KD and Kyrie each had 37.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 25, 2022
This is only the 3rd game in NBA history in which multiple players from both teams scored 35+ points in a game. It's the first time it happened in regulation. pic.twitter.com/chbhYlCIqS
Grizzlies backcourt makes statement in win over Brooklyn Nets
Last season, the Grizzlies shocked many when they shot up the Western Conference standings and entered the playoffs as the second seed. One of the main reasons why they were able to shatter expectations in 2022 was because of the play of their starting guards.
Along with Ja Morant taking the next step towards superstardom, Desmond Bane took a massive step forward in his development in just his second season. After a solid rookie campaign, he came back and averaged over 18 PPG while being one of the league leaders in three-point percentage.
Morant and Bane continue to rise up the rankings of top backcourt duos, and their performance against the Nets is a perfect example of why.
Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are two future Hall of Famers and some of the top offensive talents of this generation. When they go off for big performances like they did Monday, very rarely does it result in a loss. For the Grizzlies’ guards not only to match them, but lead the charge in a win, is an extremely impressive feat.
Still in their early to mid twenties, the sky is the limit for what these two guards can achieve alongside one another. It would not be shocking if they are seen as the NBA’s top starting backcourt in the near future.