The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Milwaukee Bucks with a convincing 122-99 victory, dominating nearly every aspect of the game from start to finish.
Outstanding Performances
Although Giannis Antetokounmpo shined for Milwaukee with a standout individual performance, scoring 37 points on 17-of-22 shooting and adding 11 rebounds and four assists, the Bucks struggled to find consistent offensive support for their star.
Damian Lillard, in particular, had a rough night, scoring just four points on 1-of-12 shooting and failing to make a basket on any of his six three-point attempts, continuing a poor shooting streak that has plagued him in recent games.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with a remarkable triple-double performance, contributing 26 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists. His energy was felt from the start, setting the pace early in the first quarter as he outplayed Milwaukee's defense, leaving defenders like Gary Trent Jr. and Delon Wright unable to contain him.
Memphis took control quickly, closing the first quarter on a 14-point run to lead 40-24, a lead that would only increase throughout the night.
In the second quarter, Giannis took the lead for Milwaukee, taking advantage of opportunities created by his teammates to cut Memphis' lead. The Bucks benefited from extended minutes from AJax and a short rest for Morant, allowing them to cut the deficit to seven points.
Memphis quickly reasserted its dominance, however, taking advantage of Milwaukee's disorganized ball movement and poor long-range shooting. The Bucks hit just 3-of-21 three-point attempts in the first half, while Memphis took advantage of these miscues to build a commanding 70-48 halftime lead.
Memphis Neutralizes Milwaukee
The Grizzlies' high-energy play and disciplined execution, combined with Milwaukee's inconsistency, gave the game a lopsided feel, comparing it even to a matchup between the Harlem Globetrotters and the Generals, as the Bucks couldn't keep up.
The third quarter saw Giannis continue his aggressive play, but Ja Morant and the Grizzlies offense continued to press, further extending their lead. In a game that Memphis entered as the league's lowest scoring team in the third quarter, they defied expectations by outscoring Milwaukee in this period, increasing the difference by an additional seven points.
High-energy plays, including several alley-oops in quick succession, electrified the Memphis bench and the crowd. Although Brook Lopez contributed two three-point shots, Milwaukee's shooting woes extended all the way to the free throw line, where they struggled to even reach 50% efficiency.
At the end of the third quarter, Memphis led 99-70, virtually sealing the outcome of the game.
In the final quarter, Giannis continued to find the hoop, but Milwaukee's efforts were not enough to close the gap, and the Grizzlies maintained their control, ultimately securing the game with a comfortable 122-99 lead.
Morant Leads Grizzlies With Triple-Double And Unstoppable Energy
Ja Morant capped his night with his 12th career triple-double, finishing with 26 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds. His brilliant performance included an impressive assist from a seated position, which allowed a reverse layup by Santi Aldama, underscoring the Grizzlies' confidence and creativity.
Aldama, off the bench, made a significant impact with 19 points and nine rebounds. Contributions from Scotty Pippen Jr. and Jaylen Wells, who each scored 16 points, added depth to Memphis' balanced Memphis offense as seven Grizzlies players finished the game in double figures.
Milwaukee's reliance on Giannis was evident, but even his outstanding performance could not overcome the team's collective struggles. Lillard's continued poor shooting streak was particularly costly, as he has shot just 6-of-27 on three-pointers in the last three games.
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And much more... pic.twitter.com/zrpJ00NO4P- Betcris (@Betcris) November 1, 2024
Three-Point Shooting Problems Impact Bucks
The Bucks' three-point shooting effectiveness continued to be a problem, finishing just 9-of-42 (21.4%) from beyond the arc. Memphis, in contrast, shot 52% from the field, making the most of their offensive possessions and maintaining a high level of intensity throughout the game.
The Bucks' recent performance continues a troubling trend, as this game marked their fourth consecutive loss. Their lack of ball movement and limited amount of open shooting opportunities created for their shooters have exacerbated their accuracy issues, leaving the team struggling to find a cohesive rhythm on offense.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies rebounded convincingly from a recent loss to the Brooklyn Nets, entering this game with renewed vigor and focus. Their defensive pressure and efficient scoring allowed them to control the tempo, and their seven players in double figures highlight the team's ability to effectively distribute the scoring load.
Looking ahead, the Bucks will host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday, looking to snap their current losing streak and rediscover their offensive identity. The Grizzlies, now riding the momentum of a dominant performance, will travel to Philadelphia for their next game, looking to maintain their success as they continue this season of the NBA.
