But it took just 10 minutes before Cream rose to the top and it became clear that the Wizards would struggle to maintain that level of play and keep up with Memphis offensively. Especially without Bradley Beal.Washington’s star guard entered NBA health and safety protocols after testing positive on Saturday coronavirus.
Entering the court on Sunday, the Wizards weren’t effective defensively enough to help the short-handed Washington keep the pace, and the Grizzlies won. 103-97in a hard-fought match.
Coach Wes Unseld Jr. said he was happy with the team’s new effort.
“I had a chance to let go of the ropes. [we] Stayed on it. I think that’s a good sign and definitely a better way — certainly a better approach than last night,” he said. “I am proud of the effort. I know there is no moral victory. I did some good things. … Overall, I thought it was positive.”
Washington scored the first nine points, but it wasn’t until the end of the first quarter that the Grizzlies needed momentum as Ja Morant (23 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists) warmed up. On a fluid offense, Memphis let the Wizards’ big team defend Morant too often — Morant was too fast for them and the wing of 7-foot-3 Kristaps Porzingis. I had no problem leaping high enough to dodge the width.
The Wizards, on the other hand, seemed to be losing on offense and were frequently eyeing their teammates next door as Unseld had to deploy a new starting lineup. Second-year guard Cory Kispert started in his second game of the season in place of Beal after losing time with a sprained ankle, while Deni Avdija was on the pitch for Anthony, who was recovering from a stomach virus. – Returned to Gil’s starting group. (Gill played three minutes off the bench.)
The Grizzlies (7-3) had a 23-point lead by the middle of the third quarter.
“We take pride in everything. We didn’t want the same result that happened in Brooklyn. We came back and gave it a chance,” said point guard Monte Morris. “We just fell short.”
Washington (4-6) had no room for error. A hard-fought third quarter unleashed when the Grizzlies were able to score some key offensive rebounds for him. And Memphis received a powerful injection when center Steven Adams limped back into the locker room in the third quarter.
Porzingis and Kyle Kuzma missed four consecutive 3-pointers, two each, and sealed the Wizards’ fate as the arena rocked with rowdy crowd energy as Memphis improved to 4-0 at home. It was time
“It was tough to run big like that,” Morris said. “…but we were there. We had good opportunities. They made some big plays and all at once… there were four open good looks. They just didn’t fall.” I have generated the shots I need— [it’s a] Make a league or miss. some good shots. we can live with it. ”
Morris led the five Wizards in double digits with 18 points. Rui Hachimura scored 15 points off the bench. Kuzma added his 12 points and he added 11 rebounds. Will Burton he had 12 points. Porzingis scored 10 points.
Desmond Bain led Memphis with 28 points and Brandon Clarke added 16 from the bench.
Here’s what else you should know about the Wizards’ loss.
This is Biel’s second stint on protocol this season. He also missed a preseason game in Charlotte after returning for competing coronavirus tests. It turned out that he had pharyngitis.
Beale traveled with the team to Memphis on Saturday afternoon and was placed on protocol that night. The bench, which was already in short supply, became even shorter.
The Wizards were without Beal and backup point guard Dron Wright (hamstrings), and Gil was under the weather. That means two-way player Jordan Goodwin, who splits time between the Wizards and the G League’s Capital City Go-Go, came out early on Sunday.
Goodwin traveled to Memphis with the team. First-round picks Johnny Davis, Isiah Todd, and Vernon Carey Jr. were assigned to the G League.
The Grizzlies entered Sunday as the league’s third-best rebounding team (46.9 per game), thanks largely to Adams. Washington can be proud of the fact that Memphis narrowly won board 50-49. Adams’ limited time made a difference, but the Withers were clearly more energetic around the rim as well.
Unseld’s praise for Goodwin after the October 30 loss in Boston was simple, saying, “He just did it.” The 24-year-old was in the right place at the right time despite his limited experience at the NBA level.
Goodwin played most of the same Sunday: He had nine points, eight rebounds and five assists. He helped facilitate movement on offense and competently filled in at point guard when called upon.
Davis spent the weekend playing go-go. He scored 13 points on Saturday’s team’s season-opener on three rebounds and two assists in just over 25 minutes, going 13-for-3 on shooting, and was praised by Unseld for his aggression. In 23 minutes on Sunday, he had 17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 blocks and 6 turnovers on 6-7 shooting.
He is scheduled to return to the Wizards in Charlotte on Monday.
