The Memphis Grizzlies are flying!
They extend their league-best winning streak to 10 games after beating the Golden State Warriors at the FedEx Forum, 116-108.
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Ja Morant led all scorers with 29 points, eight assists and five rebounds, while Jaren Jackson Jr. posted his second straight double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Rookie Ziaire Williams added 17 points as the Grizzlies edged the Warriors 29-18 in the fourth quarter, earning their second win in three games against the Dubs this season.
With the victory, they are now tied for third in the Western Conference standings and just 3.0 games behind the No. 1 seed.
Let’s dive into some of the key numbers behind his winning streak.
10: A franchise first
The Grizzlies’ 10-game streak is the longest in franchise history, two more than their previous best of eight, which came in 2015 by the Grit and Grind Grizzlies.
Not only have they been beating the bad teams, but they have also rocked the Western Conference standings with key wins over contending teams, including the Phoenix Suns, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers (twice). like the Cleveland Cavaliers and LA Clippers.
MORE: Morant’s Game Winner Elevates Grizzlies Past Suns
Overall, the Grizzlies have won 20 of their last 24 games.
The @memgrizz they have won 10 consecutive games, extending the longest winning streak in a season in franchise history.
Memphis has won 20 of its last 24 games overall. pic.twitter.com/OaAkvgtrsK
– Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) January 12, 2023
Their next games will be at home against the Timberwolves, who have won four of their last five, followed by a matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, who have won six in a row.
1: breaking the glass
The Grizzlies have been the best teams in rebounding all season and during the streak, they have accelerated it, punishing teams on both offense and defense.
They lead the league in rebounds per game (52.3), offensive rebounds (15.3), and second-chance points (20.7), and rank second in rebounding percentage (52.6), beating teams every night.
Big man Steven Adams leads the team, averaging 9.4 boards per night, but they’re doing it by committee, with seven different players averaging at least 4.0 rebounds per game in Morant, Jackson, Desmond Bane, De’Anthony Melton, Kyle Anderson, Brandon Clarke, and John Konchar.
4: lock it up
Throughout their 10-game streak, the Grizzlies have the fourth-ranked defense in the league, giving up just 104.8 points per 100 possessions, behind only the Warriors, Celtics and Mavericks in that span.
This season, they’ve leaned on the defensive end, especially in the streak of games Morant missed and they lead the league in steals (10.2) and blocks (6.3) on the season.
Yes for MVP?
When you say it out loud, it sounds crazy, but the Grizzlies point guard is giving off a great Derrick Rose vibe in 2011.
MORE: Where does Morant rank among the top shipowners?
Ja Morant scored 15 points in the 1st quarter tonight. He also scored 18 points in the third quarter against the Warriors on October 28. No other player has multiple 15-point quarters against the Warriors this season. pic.twitter.com/luvEtgDewc
– ESPN statistics and information (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 12, 2023
During the Grizzlies’ streak, he was seen as the best player in the league, being named Western Conference Player of the Week in consecutive weeks, averaging 29.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 6.1 assists with 53 percent shooting from the field and shooting. 53 percent from 3-point shots. -dit line.
During the streak, the Grizzlies also lead the league in points in the paint (62.2), with Morant second only to Giannis Antetokounmpo in points in the paint in that span with (17.6), while leading the league in points of counterattack per game (5.8).
