Memphis, Tennessee — Jaren Jackson Jr. delivered an impressive performance with 39 points, while Scotty Pippen Jr. achieved his inaugural triple-double as the Memphis Grizzlies triumphed over the Washington Wizards with a score of 128-104 on Friday night. This victory marked the Grizzlies’ fourth win in their last five games.
Pippen contributed significantly with 11 points, along with 11 assists and 10 rebounds. Rookie Zach Edey made an impact by scoring 14 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and blocking two shots. Santi Aldama added 12 points to the winning effort.
For the Wizards, Kyshawn George topped the scoring chart with 17 points, while Jonas Valanciunas chipped in with 16 points. Corey Kispert also contributed 14 points, but it wasn’t enough to change the team’s fortunes.
The Grizzlies managed to maintain at least a 20-point lead for the majority of the second half, which resulted in the Wizards suffering their third consecutive defeat.
Regarding team observations, the Wizards have been plagued by injuries affecting key players, leading to a lineup featuring several rookies alongside second-year player Bilal Coulibaly. This lack of experience was evident as they committed 13 turnovers in the first half, giving Memphis 19 points and allowing them to build a double-digit lead.
On the other hand, the Grizzlies have been increasing their pace this season, ranking among the top five teams in the league in terms of tempo. This fast-paced play caused Wizards coach Brian Keefe to frequently urge his players to reposition quickly on defense throughout the game.
A pivotal moment in the match occurred with 3:50 remaining in the third quarter, when Memphis held a 24-point advantage. Edey, standing at 7 feet 4 inches, got into a physical confrontation with Wizards veteran Valanciunas, leading to some pushing and minor elbowing before play was halted. Both centers were issued double technical fouls for their altercation.
In statistical highlights, the Grizzlies showcased their dominance in the paint, averaging 60 points scored inside the key, and managed to match this figure in the match.
Looking ahead, the Wizards will be traveling to Orlando for their next game on Sunday, while the Grizzlies are set to visit Portland.