The Postgame Cleanup is presented by ServiceMaster. In a game that came down to the wire, the Memphis Grizzlies fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers 111 to 116 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, securing the Cavaliers 11th-straight win keeping the longest current active winning streak in the NBA alive.
Despite the absence of Chandler Parsons, Mike Conley, Brandan Wright, and Wayne Selden Jr. , the Grizzlies got off to their strongest start this season, managing a first-quarter season high 32 points on 16 of 24 shooting (.652 percent). After seven first half lead changes, Cleveland outscored Memphis by 18 in the second quarter alone and led by 14 at the half.
Memphis trailed 11 with 6:16 to go before going on a 13-2 run over the next 4:06 to tie scores at 109, but Cleveland would hang on behind 15 fourth quarter points from LeBron James, who scored seven in the last 3:38 of the contest. James finished with 34 points and 12 assists. Kevin Love added 20 points on 7 of 12 shooting including 3 for 4 from beyond the arc.
The Grizzlies got a season-high 31 points from Tyreke Evans, 20 in the first half alone and 12 assists. Marc Gasol, who was listed pregame as questionable with a left foot injury, would reach 10,000 points in his NBA career early in the fourth, draining a three pointer with 11:47 to go. Gasol finished with 27 points on 12 of 23 shooting. JaMychal Green added 16.
Next Game
The Grizzlies look to snap their 11-game losing streak as they return to FedExForum to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday, December 6 at 7 p.m. CT. Tune in to FOX Sports Southeast presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners or listen on 92.9 FM ESPN.
Team Quotes
Player Notes
- Tyreke Evans recorded a double-double with a team-high 31 points on 10-20 (.500) shooting, a game-high tying 12 assists and a team-high tying seven rebounds in 39 minutes.
- Marc Gasol tallied 27 points on 12-23 (.522) shooting from the field, six rebounds, four assists, a team-high three steals and a team-high two blocks in 41 minutes.
- JaMychal Green had 16 points and seven boards.
- Andrew Harrison contributed 12 points hitting 2-2 from deep.