The Memphis Grizzlies used the luck of the Irish and ended a 19-game losing streak, defeating the Denver Nuggets 101-94 on Saturday at FedExForum. The Grizzlies never trailed and snapped a losing streak that was tied for the second-longest in franchise history.
The Grizzlies opened on a 15-5 run from the tip and led by as many as 21 through the first two frames. Memphis had a 15-point advantage (50-35) with 3:08 to play before Denver closed the half on a 13-3 run to cut their deficit to single digits (53-48).
Memphis outscored Denver 34-17 in the first quarter. The 17-point advantage to end the period was the largest at the end of an opening period this season.
The Grizzlies were led by Dillon Brooks, who finished with 24 points (8-17 FG, 3-4 3P, 4-4 FT), including Memphis’ first 12 of the second half. Tyreke Evans scored 20 points (6-19 FG, 2-7 3P, 6-8 FT), marking his 30th straight game scoring in double digits this season. Wayne Selden added 16 points (6-7 FG, 4-5 3P) off the bench. Jarell Martin led the Grizzlies on the boards, grabbing a career-high 13 rebounds in addition to scoring eight points.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 17 points (5-15 FG, 1-4 3P, 6-8 FT) and 12 rebounds. Jamal Murray finished with 16 points (5-18 FG). Paul Millsap and Trey Lyles added 12 points apiece.
Next Game
The Grizzlies begin a three-day road trip in Brooklyn where Memphis looks to tie the series 1-1 with the Nets on Monday night. Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT. Tune in to FOX Sports Southeast presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners or listen on 92.9 FM ESPN for all the action.
Key Stats of the Night
- Memphis snapped a 19-game losing streak, which was tied for the second-longest losing streak in franchise history… The Grizzlies had lost a franchise-record 23 straight games from Feb. 16-April 2, 1996 and 19 in a row from Nov. 7-Dec. 13, 1995 during the team’s inaugural NBA season (1995-96) when the club was located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
- The Grizzlies outscored the Nuggets 34-17 in the first quarter, their largest lead (+17) at the end of the opening period this season… Denver missed 15 of its first 18 field goal attempts and shot 21.7 percent in the first quarter (5-23 FG, 2-9 3P), the lowest first-quarter field goal percentage for a Grizzlies opponent this season… Memphis shot 56.5 percent (13-23 FG, 5-9 3P) in the first frame.
- Memphis never trailed in the game.
Key Run of the Night
- Memphis started the game on a 15-5 run and led by as many as 20 (34-14) before Trey Lyles’ three-pointer with 3.2 seconds on the clock cut the Grizzlies’ lead to 17 (34-17) at the end of the first quarter.
Team Quotes
Player Notes
- Dillon Brooks scored 24 points (8-17 FG, 4-9 3P, 4-4 FT), including Memphis’ first 12 of the second half… Brooks connected on a three-pointer on three straight Grizzlies possessions early in the second half to build Memphis’ lead back to double digits (62-50) with 9:51 left in the third quarter… Brooks has 78 threes this season, the most by a Grizzlies rookie since O.J. Mayo made 145 during the 2008-09 season.
- Tyreke Evans scored 20 points (6-19 FG, 2-7 3P, 6-8 FT)… It marked his 30th straight game scoring in double digits, tying the longest streak by a Grizzlies player this season (Marc Gasol from Oct. 30-Dec. 30).
- Wayne Selden shot 6-of-7 from the field (4-5 3P) and finished with 16 points off the bench, his first game in double figures since netting 24 points on Jan. 31 at Indiana.
- Jarell Martin recorded eight points and a career-high 13 rebounds… Martin’s previous career high was 11 boards, set on March 3 at Orlando.
- Nikola Jokic had 17 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Nuggets, who played without Gary Harris (right knee strain/sprain).