The Postgame Cleanup is presented by Servicemaster.
Bradley Beal and John Wall combined for 59 points, as the Washington Wizards staved off a late Grizzlies comeback for a 102-100 victory in Memphis on “Wrestling Night” at FedExForum.
Beal scored 34 points (9-18 FG, 5-10 3P, 11-11 FT), while Wall recorded 25 points (8-16 FG, 3-5 3P, 6-8 FT) and nine assists for the Wizards, who won their fourth straight and for the sixth time in the last seven games. Markieff Morris added 12 points and 17 rebounds, making two free throws with 3.5 seconds remaining to put Washington up by five.
Tyreke Evans totaled 26 points, five rebounds and seven assists to lead the Grizzlies, who dropped their second straight game. Marc Gasol registered 17 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and five blocks for his 16th double-double of the season. Mario Chalmers scored 13 points, while JaMychal Green had 11.
The Wizards led by as many as 17 points in the second half and by 15 with 9:34 remaining in the game when the Grizzlies rallied to cut the deficit to 97-94 following Green’s corner three with 1:19 left, capping a 7-0 run. Evans sank another three to cut the deficit to 98-97 with 18.4 seconds on the clock.
Beal made both of his free throws on the next possession, and Evans misfired on a potential game-tying three-pointer on the other end before the Grizzlies put Morris on the line.
Memphis outscored Washington 28-15 in the fourth quarter, holding the Wizards to just 2-of-16 shooting (.125) from the field. Washington shot 14 free throws in the final frame, however, and made 11 from the foul line.
Washington built a 12-point lead by the beginning of the second quarter and led 58-50 at halftime.
As part of “Wrestling Night,” Super Grizz, as well as NFL Pro Bowler and University of Memphis star running back DeAngelo Williams helped Jerry “The King” Lawler upend “Double J” Jeff Jarrett and reclaim the Grizzlyweight Championship belt.
Next Game
The Grizzlies will host the New Orleans Pelicans at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 10 at FedExForum. Fans can tune in to FOX Sports Southeast, presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners, or listen to the action on 92.9 FM ESPN / 680 AM.
Key Stats of the Night
- John Wall and Bradley Beal combined for 59 of Washington’ 102 points and hit eight of the team’s 10 three-pointers.
Key Run of the Night
- Washington led 79-70 with 2:39 remaining in the third quarter and went on an 8-0 run over the next 1:44 to extend its lead to 17, the largest of the game.
- Memphis outscored Washington 28-15 in the fourth quarter, including a 12-3 run starting at the 2:38 mark to cut the deficit to 98-97 with 18.4 seconds left.
Team Quotes
Player Notes
- Tyreke Evans (26 points, seven assists, five rebounds) recorded his 12th game this season with 25 points or more.
- Marc Gasol (17 points, 11 rebounds) posted his team-high 16th double-double. Gasol also had five assists and five blocks.
- Mario Chalmers (13 points) scored in double digits for the 11th time this season.