Steven Adams and Memphis won 5 straight games

Orlando Magic knew their assignment coming into this game: Stop the Memphis Grizzlies’ attack inside of the painted area. Orlando had three 6’10” players clogging the driving lane. Every time Ja Morant had the ball about the attack, Magic would double-team him and force him to give up the ball to Steven Adams early, baiting Adams to force a tough shot inside.

Wendell Carter Jr. played a physical game with Adams. Adams hit the floor hard after colliding with Carter Jr each time. Adams only made his lone field goal 2 minutes before the halftime buzzer. 

Both teams were shooting poorly during the first quarter. Jaren Jackson Jr was the only bright spot blocking 3 shots in the first quarter alone and making 6 of 7 shot attempts first half.

Memphis switched to a smaller lineup taking out the starting 4 only leaving Jackson Jr. on the floor during the 2nd quarter. It was effective as the Smaller Memphis lineup was able to make 17 out of 25 shoot attempts. Memphis led as many as 25 points at the half.

Adams shared a moment with Jackson Jr briefly, while getting the same rebound:

Magic played the full-court press for the majority of the 2nd half, forcing multiple Grizzlies turnovers. The Magic young stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner were able to erase the Memphis lead to 6 points late 4th quarter. Banchero scored 20 points, shooting 77.8% from the field during the 3rd quarter, while Wanner scored 19 points on 62.5% shooting during the 4th quarter.

Ultimately Memphis was able to hold on to the lead with a brilliant performance from Jackson Jr. He score 31 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks and only missed 2 shots in the game. With Cater Jr in foul trouble, Ja Morant was able to go at him and caused him to foul out of the game late in the game. Carter Jr exited the game with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Morant scored a game-high 32 points. 

Adams wasn’t able to do many screens and hand off to Morant in this game due to the high frequency of double-teaming on Morant. With his teammate shooting a high-percentage game, he ended the game with only one offensive rebound. He ended the game with 4 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal and 5 personal fouls. 

Interesting fact:

• Jaren Jackson Jr scored his season-high 32 points
• Ziaire Williams scored his season-high 16 points off the bench

What’s next?

• The Grizzlies will play against the Utah Jazz on Sunday local time.