The Memphis Grizzlies (7-4) crushed the Portland Trail Blazers (3-8) 134-89 on Sunday, securing a commanding 45-point win. The Grizzlies have now won five of their last six games.
Memphis led from start to finish, riding a strong team effort despite missing key players Ja Morant, Marcus Smart, and Desmond Bane.
Jaren Jackson Jr. was pivotal for the Grizzlies, contributing 20 points and seven rebounds. Jake LaRavia added 18 points off the bench as Memphis stretched their lead to as much as 45 points.
Portland struggled throughout, with Jerami Grant scoring 20 points to lead the Trail Blazers. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome Memphis’ offensive onslaught. The Blazers have now lost three consecutive games.
The Grizzlies jumped to an early 31-17 lead in the first quarter, and by halftime, they held a 25-point advantage. The team’s dominance in the paint was evident, as Memphis racked up 58 points in the key.
While Memphis capitalized on Portland’s struggles, shooting just 34% from the field, the Blazers’ shooting woes were especially pronounced from beyond the arc. Portland finished with a dismal 4 of 42 from 3-point range, a key factor in the one-sided result.
The matchup also marked the first meeting between Memphis’ rookie Zach Edey and Portland’s Donovan Clingan since the 2024 NCAA Championship, where Clingan’s UConn team defeated Edey’s Purdue squad. Clingan finished with 13 points for the Blazers, while Edey added 12 points for the Grizzlies.
As Memphis closed out the win, their defense was just as impressive. The Grizzlies forced 23 turnovers, while their offensive efficiency saw them shoot 55.3% from the field. Memphis’ 24 free throws also highlighted their ability to attack the basket, converting 85.7% of those attempts.
In the final quarter, the Grizzlies continued to pour it on, with Yuki Kawamura making his debut for Memphis. The 5-foot-8 rookie received a warm reception from Blazers fans as he entered the game. The Japanese guard had three points.
