Key Stat of the Night
- The Heat combined to shoot 63 percent from the field in the fourth quarter, while limiting the Grizzlies to just 30 percent shooting in the final period.
Key Run of the Night
- The Heat went on a 24-1 run over a 6:40 period in the beginning of the fourth quarter to take a definitive 107-87 lead. The Grizzlies would not recover.
Game Recap
The Memphis Grizzlies fell 120-101 to the Miami Heat at AmericanAirlines Arena on Wednesday night to start the 2019-20 regular season.
The Grizzlies and Heat exchanged blows for three quarters as the two teams changed leads 10 times. However, a 37-point fourth quarter from the Miami Heat would lift them to victory. The Grizzlies started off the night strong as they scored 32 points in the first quarter, marking the second-highest first-quarter scoring effort in a season-opener in franchise history (and highest in the Memphis era). The Grizzlies would close out the first-half on a 15-6 run to take a 60-54 lead in to the halftime break.
On a night where the Grizzlies shot 51.1 percent in the first half, the second half would not be as kind. Memphis shot just 34.1 percent in the second half, including only 10 percent from three-point range. The Grizzlies led the Heat 84-83 after three quarters, but the Heat would use a 28-4 run on their way to outscoring the Grizzlies 37-17 in the final frame. Justise Winslow scored 11 of his game-high 27 points in the fourth quarter to help lead the Heat.
The Grizzlies were led by Jaren Jackson Jr., who finished the night with 17 points, three rebounds and two blocks in 30 minutes of play. The Grizzlies’ number two overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Ja Morant, was impressive in his NBA debut. Morant combined for 14 points, four rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal on 6-of-12 shooting in 25 minutes. Tyus Jones steadied the second unit for the Grizzlies, tallying 15 points, seven assists and two steals while shooting 50.0 percent from the floor.
The Heat combined to shoot 63 percent from the field in the fourth quarter, while limiting the Grizzlies to just 30 percent shooting in the final period. Winslow led the way for the Heat as he tallied seven assists and seven rebounds to go with his 27 points. Rookie guard Kendrick Nunn exploded for 24 points, three assists and two rebounds in his NBA Debut. Veteran point guard Goran Dragic poured in 19 points off the bench for the Heat, while knocking down a game-high nine free-throws.
Next Game
The Grizzlies will return home to face the Chicago Bulls in their regular season home opener inside of FedExForum on Friday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. CT. Fans can also watch the game on FOX Sports Southeast or listen on 92.9 FM ESPN.
Team Quotes
Player Notes
- Jaren Jackson Jr. finished the night with a team-high 17 points, three rebounds and two blocks in 30 minutes of play.
- Ja Morant combined for 14 points, four rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal on 50.0 percent shooting in 25 minutes.
- Tyus Jones tallied 15 points, seven assists and two steals while also shooting 50.0 percent from the floor.
- Veteran point guard Goran Dragic pitched in 19 points off the bench for the Heat
- Rookie guard Kendrick Nunn exploded for 24 points, three assists and two rebounds in his NBA Debut.
Fans who want to support the Memphis Grizzlies and purchase 2019-20 Season Tickets can do so by calling (901) 888-HOOP or going online to grizzlies.com. Single Game Tickets are available for purchase at the FedExForum Box Office, ticketmaster.com, online at grizzlies.com or by calling 1-800-4NBA-TIX.
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