The Memphis Grizzlies kept their cool in Toronto, answering every Raptors run to secure a 118-102 victory on November 9. The win snapped a three-game losing streak for Memphis and pushed them to a perfect 5-0 start on the road, the best away record in franchise history.
The Raptors looked like they might rally in the third quarter, sparking an 11-3 run that electrified the Scotiabank Arena crowd. But Grizzlies guard Ty Jerome halted the momentum with a sidestep three-pointer. Later, when Toronto pulled within a point early in the fourth, Jerami Grant responded with a three of his own, extinguishing the threat. Every time Toronto made a move, Memphis answered.
Toronto was missing three starters, Kawhi Leonard, Immanuel Quickley, and Scottie Barnes, which allowed Memphis to focus its defence on RJ Barrett. Barrett finished with 19 points but struggled with his shot, going 7-for-21 from the field.
The Grizzlies made rotation adjustments after two days off following their November 6 game. G.G. Jackson returned to the lineup, replacing Kris Murray, who had previously acted as a point-of-attack defender behind Jaylen Wells. Javon Small stayed in the rotation, while Taylor Hendricks stepped in after Quinten Post left early with a head injury.
Those changes paid off on the bench, where Memphis outscored Toronto 44-27. The reserves' contribution helped Memphis maintain control throughout the game.
Memphis’ three-point shooting also bounced back after two poor outings. The team went 16-for-34 from beyond the arc, with Jerome leading the way with 27 points and five three-pointers. Grant and Wells combined to shoot 7-for-8 from distance. That combination of perimeter shooting and solid defence is emerging as a pattern in Memphis’ wins.
Rebounding was another area where the Grizzlies outpaced Toronto. Both teams are among the NBA’s best in this category, with Memphis ranked first in defensive rebounds and Toronto leading in offensive rebounds per game. The Grizzlies finished with a 44-34 advantage on the boards. Toronto turned 15 offensive rebounds into 18 points, while Memphis grabbed 12 offensive boards, converting them into 16 points.
Zach Edey led Memphis with nine rebounds. Cam Boozer contributed seven rebounds, eight assists, and 22 points. Memphis is showing early-season strength in rebounding, defensive effort, and shooting.
Damichael Cole, the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal, reported from Toronto.
According to Yahoo Sports.
