The Memphis Grizzlies overcame a 19-point first-half deficit to defeat the Indiana Pacers 136-121 on Sunday. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the charge for Memphis with 25 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks, ensuring the Grizzlies secured their sixth consecutive win.
Ja Morant added 19 points and eight assists, while Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart chipped in 16 points each. Memphis, now 14-7 on the season, used a dominant second half to extend their win streak and improve to 8-2 in their last ten games.
Indiana started strong, shooting 60% from the field in the first half and tallying a season-high 68 points by halftime. Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers with 19 points and nine rebounds, and Andrew Nembhard contributed 14 points in his first game back after missing 14 due to knee inflammation.
Memphis turned the tide in the third quarter, outscoring Indiana 40-23. Jackson Jr. and Jaylen Wells powered the offense during the pivotal stretch, with the Grizzlies shooting an impressive 53% overall, including 16 three-pointers.
Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana’s leading scorer in recent games, was held to just eight points on 3-of-10 shooting. The Pacers, who shot 33.3% from beyond the arc, struggled to keep pace in the second half.
The Grizzlies dominated in key areas, forcing 15 turnovers and turning them into 23 points. They also secured a slight rebounding edge, finishing with 40 boards to Indiana’s 41, and maintained their composure at the free-throw line, converting 22 of 27 attempts.
For Indiana, Pascal Siakam contributed 17 points and six assists, and Obi Toppin posted a solid 16 points and eight rebounds. The Pacers had six players in double figures but couldn’t sustain their early momentum.
The win highlighted Memphis’ depth, with Santi Aldama adding 15 points and six assists off the bench. The Grizzlies showcased their improved offensive cohesion, racking up 36 assists on 49 made field goals.
Despite the loss, Indiana found a silver lining in Nembhard’s return. His strong first-half performance showed promise as he works his way back into the rotation. The Pacers dropped to 9-12 on the season and are now 4-6 in their last ten games.
