The Memphis Grizzlies clinched a 109-97 win against the Washington Wizards during Tuesday’s NBA action, backed by Trey Jemison‘s standout performance and a decisive late-game rally.
Jemison, buoyed by a career-high 24 points, was the talk of the locker room, having surpassed his previous record by the halftime mark. His early offensive strikes and continued aggression were pivotal in exploiting the Wizards’ lack of a true center, contributing significantly to the Grizzlies’ dominance in paint scoring and rebounding.
“It was amazing,” Jemison said. “I had a great time out there. I took my time. Nothing crazy. Nothing special. The shots I work on were the shots I made.”
With the aid of GG Jackson‘s 19 points and Jake LaRavia‘s 16, Memphis established a robust lead. The team’s effort was further bolstered by Jemison’s 11-of-13 shooting performance from the field, highlighting his efficiency and the Grizzlies’ offensive strategy.
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins commended Jemison’s early aggression and overall impact on the game, noting the center’s contributions as steps in the right direction towards impactful winning.
“He’s doing the little things that impact winning,” Jenkins said.
The Wizards, aiming for a third consecutive win, found themselves struggling against the Grizzlies’ momentum. Despite Kyle Kuzma‘s 24-point effort, Washington faced a challenging uphill battle, never leading at any point during the match. Interim coach Brian Keefe attributed the slow start to a lack of preparedness, taking responsibility for the team’s initial performance shortfall.
“I have to take it on me,” Keefe said. “I didn’t have the group ready to play from the start. We had a terrible first half. We weren’t ready to go.”
Washington’s comeback efforts in the second half highlighted a shift in mentality, narrowing the gap to a six-point deficit. However, Memphis’s subsequent 9-1 run re-established their lead, ensuring a victorious end to their two-game skid.
As both teams continue their season, the Wizards aim to recover momentum in their upcoming match against the Houston Rockets, while the Grizzlies prepare to host the Charlotte Hornets, building on their latest victory’s foundations.
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