MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — The Memphis Grizzlies achieved a remarkable milestone Thursday night, setting a franchise scoring record with an overwhelming 155-126 victory over the struggling Toronto Raptors. The team's impressive performance at the FedExForum was headlined by standout players Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey, both of whom scored 21 points.
Jackson also secured 11 rebounds and marked three blocks, helping to bolster the Grizzlies' commanding presence on the court. Edey, the highly praised rookie and two-time college player of the year, made his mark by grabbing 16 rebounds, showcasing his impact on both the defensive and offensive fronts. Desmond Bane and Jaylen Wells contributed significantly, with Bane scoring 19 points and Wells adding 17 to the scoreboard. Ja Morant rounded off the offensive efforts with 15 points and nine assists.
This matchup highlighted the stark differences between the two teams. The Grizzlies are surging with newfound momentum, winning three of their last four games. Meanwhile, the Raptors are experiencing turmoil, suffering their ninth consecutive loss, which leaves them with a dismal 1-14 record on the road. RJ Barrett led the Raptors with 27 points, and Scottie Barnes added 26, but their contributions were not enough to offset the team's defensive shortcomings.
From the get-go, the Grizzlies showcased their intentions. Memphis exploded for 43 points during the first quarter alone, establishing a lead they would hold throughout the contest. Both teams displayed porous defensive strategies, with the Raptors needing to tighten up as the Grizzlies reached the 100-point milestone with over six minutes remaining in the third quarter. At this point, the Raptors had already surrendered 121 points, setting the tone for the night.
The defense of the Raptors was alarming, as highlighted by their ability to consistently allow high-scoring plays from Memphis. This has been a recurring issue as the Raptors have now yielded 40 or more points in several quarters throughout the season. Their struggle to rotate quickly and contain the Grizzlies allowed the home team to exploit gaps and capitalize on second-chance opportunities.
A pivotal moment came midway through the fourth quarter, marking the ejection of Raptors' head coach Darko Rajakovic. After arguing calls with referee JT Orr, Rajakovic received two technical fouls, compounding the night of distress for Toronto as they slipped even farther behind. Memphis capitalized on the ensuing possession, effectively demoralizing the Raptors.
Memphis established its dominance through sheer rebounding prowess, amassing 24 offensive rebounds, resulting in 33 second-chance points—both season highs. Such statistical advantages solidified their victory and served as vindication for their explosive offense, which leads the NBA at 122.7 points per game.
Fans at the FedExForum were treated to the debut of Zach Edey, who was drafted ninth overall by the Grizzlies. When Edey hit his first three-pointer, it sent waves through the crowd, as many had been eager to see the towering talent play. Edey is 7-foot-4 and displayed versatility by not just staying under the basket but also actively participating on the perimeter.
The Grizzlies' high-scoring night was not simply luck; it’s reflective of their strategy and execution. The team effectively communicated and moved the ball with purpose, consistently finding open shooters. Their ability to capitalize on defensive lapses from the Raptors was emblematic of the gap between the two teams.
Heading forward, the Grizzlies are set to begin a five-game road trip, starting with the New Orleans Pelicans. Meanwhile, the Raptors will be back on their home turf, facing the Atlanta Hawks this Sunday, desperately needing to find solutions to change their poor fortunes.
The events of Thursday night serve as both milestones and reminders. While Memphis relished its record-setting performance, Toronto must take stark notes on its need for improvement. The difference couldn’t be clearer: one team is on the rise, hopeful and performing well, and the other is searching for answers amid deepening struggles on the court.
