The Memphis Grizzlies overpowered the Miami Heat in a wire-to-wire 125-91 win on Saturday night, led by Jaren Jackson Jr.’s 31-point performance.
Jackson shot 13-of-18 from the field as Memphis (43-25) secured its fifth victory in six games. Desmond Bane contributed 22 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, while Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke each added 12 points off the bench.
Kel’el Ware led Miami (29-38) with 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Bam Adebayo finished with 18 points. Kyle Anderson and Jaime Jaquez Jr. each scored 13, but the Heat dropped their seventh straight game. Tyler Herro struggled, scoring just eight points on 3-of-12 shooting.
Without Ja Morant, who sat out with a sore right shoulder, the Grizzlies leaned on Jackson, who had 23 points by halftime. Memphis surged ahead late in the second quarter with a 21-9 run, building a 63-48 lead at the break.
The Grizzlies continued to shoot efficiently in the second half, maintaining a 55% field goal percentage midway through the fourth quarter as their advantage grew. Memphis closed the game with back-to-back 31-point quarters, leaving Miami with no chance of a comeback.
Miami remains in the Eastern Conference’s ninth seed, trying to hold its position in the play-in race.
