On December 13, 2024, the Memphis Grizzlies triumphed over the Brooklyn Nets with a commanding score of 135-119 at the FedExForum, showcasing their dominance and improving their season record to 18 wins and 8 losses. This decisive victory marked the Grizzlies' fourth consecutive win, reinforcing their status as one of the top teams in the NBA.
Leading the charge for the Grizzlies was star guard Ja Morant, who delivered an electrifying performance, scoring 28 points, along with contributing 10 assists and 7 rebounds. Fellow guard Desmond Bane also shined, adding 21 points to the scoreboard. The duo’s impressive synergy was pivotal as they navigated through the game, proving too much for the Nets to handle.
The Grizzlies struck quickly and effectively, kicking off the first quarter with swift layups from Bane and crafty shots from Jaren Jackson Jr. Despite facing temporary setbacks when the Nets briefly took the lead, Memphis reclaimed control with aggressive fast breaks and outstanding three-point shooting, including three consecutive three-pointers from Santi Aldama.
Heading to halftime, the Grizzlies held onto a comfortable 69-56 lead, driven by Morant’s explosive 18 points during the first half. His command on the court was palpable as he executed impressive plays, such as nailing three-pointers and showcasing his signature finger rolls. Fans eagerly cheered as Morant displayed his scoring prowess with 16 points alone in the second quarter, including a buzzer-beater fadeaway.
Despite the Nets attempting to shift the momentum with physical defense and rallying during the third quarter, Memphis maintained their poise and pace, exhibiting their signature fast-tempo style. By the end of the third quarter, the Grizzlies had scored over 107 points, marking another high point for their dynamic offense.
With Morant returning to the court for the fourth quarter, he continued to set up plays, assisting teammates on key buckets, including alley-oops and open three-pointers. Yuki Kawamura also made his entrance with just over a minute left, drawing cheers from the crowd as he executed his first NBA assist with a no-look pass to Jalen Wells for an easy layup. Kawamura's brief appearance, though limited, added to the excitement for many fans who have been following his progress.
The game concluded with the Grizzlies firmly in control, highlighting not just individual talent but also the strength of team dynamics. Memphis has now recorded 10 wins out of their last 11 games, indicating their strong upward trend as the season progresses.
The Nets, on the other hand, suffered from defensive lapses and failed to contain the Grizzlies' high-scoring offense, with Dorian Finney-Smith scoring 19 points as the standout for Brooklyn. The frustration was evident as the Nets have now faced their fifth loss out of the last six matchups, necessitating adjustments as they prepare for their next encounter.
Looking forward, the Grizzlies are set to face the Los Angeles Lakers on December 15, where fans are eager to witness the clash between Kawamura and Rui Hachimura, anticipated as the first Japanese player showdown of the season. With growing interest from the media and fans alike, Kawamura is establishing himself as not only a player to watch but also as one of the beloved figures within the league.