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Grizzlies defeat Magic in third Summer League game

When asked why Memphis worked so hard to acquire the draft rights to Jarnell Stokes on draft night, Grizzlies interim general manager Chris Wallace mentioned Stokes' ability to rebound the basketball as something he liked and something the team expected to quickly translate to the NBA game.

Through three games in the Orlando Pro Summer League, Stokes continues to display why the Grizzlies were right to like that aspect of his game.

After hauling in 12 boards Sunday afternoon against Oklahoma City, he backed that up with another 12-rebound performance Tuesday, leading the Grizzlies to an 80-73 victory over the previously unbeaten Orlando Magic.

Stokes posted his second consecutive double-double (11 points, 12 rebounds) and was one of four Grizzlies players to reach double figures in points as Memphis turned in a balanced and efficient performance on the offensive end.

In addition to Stokes, former Michigan State guard Kalin Lucas poured in a team-high 14 points along with four rebounds and three assists, while forward Okaro White tallied 11 points and two assists.

Native Memphian and former Ole Miss guard Terrico White also contributed ten points and two assists for the Grizzlies, who earned six points in the standings during Tuesday’s game and now have 16 total through three games.

Memphis again showed the toughness and grit that they've displayed throughout the Orlando Summer League, this time battling back from a 30-19 second quarter deficit to take a 41-39 lead into halftime. The Grizzlies carried that advantage over into the second half, extending it to as many as 13 points and never trailing in the final half.

Dewayne Dedmon (13 points, three rebounds, two assists) and 2013 first round pick Victor Oladipo (11 points, seven rebounds) led the way for Orlando.

Memphis is off Tuesday, but will be back in action Wednesday night at 6pm (CT) against the Houston Rockets on NBATV and NBA.com Full schedule and more coverage...