Rookie Cedric Coward delivered a breakout performance with 27 points, helping the Memphis Grizzlies secure a 128-103 win over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night at FedExForum.
The 11th overall pick from Washington State scored 22 of his points in the second half, connecting on all six of his 3-point attempts and finishing 9-for-13 from the field. Coward has scored in double figures in each of his first three NBA games.
Memphis improved to 2-1 after being routed 146-114 by Miami the night before. The Grizzlies shot 45.4% overall and hit 15 threes while out-rebounding Indiana 49-44.
Ja Morant had 19 points and eight assists, and Jaren Jackson Jr. added 17 points. Santi Aldama and GG Jackson each contributed nine off the bench as Memphis’ second unit combined for 69 points.
Indiana fell to 0-2 after losing a double-overtime thriller to Oklahoma City in its opener. Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers with 26 points on 8-of-12 shooting before exiting with a sore right foot in the third quarter. Aaron Nesmith scored 15, while Obi Toppin and Pascal Siakam added 13 apiece.
The Grizzlies trailed briefly early before taking control with a 17-2 run in the second quarter to lead 60-52 at halftime.
Mathurin opened the third with 10 straight points to pull Indiana within one, but Coward responded with a decisive stretch. The 6-foot-6 forward scored 15 in the period, fueling a 43-point quarter that pushed Memphis ahead 103-84 entering the fourth.
From there, the Grizzlies’ reserves maintained the momentum. GG Jackson scored 16, and Cam Spencer added eight points and six assists in 21 minutes.
Memphis also tightened defensively, limiting Indiana to 40.4% shooting and forcing 13 turnovers.
The victory gave the Grizzlies a needed reset following Friday’s lopsided defeat. They now prepare for a Monday matchup against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center.
Indiana continues its three-game road trip Sunday in Minnesota, hoping to avoid a 0-3 start.
