Desmond Bane was the star of the show, recording an impressive 30 points, eight rebounds, and five assists as the Memphis Grizzlies staged a remarkable comeback to secure their first win of the season, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers with a final score of 112-100 on Sunday night.
Jaren Jackson Jr. also played a crucial role, contributing 27 points and seven rebounds, while Luke Kennard provided a valuable 15 points off the bench. The Grizzlies halted their season-opening six-game losing streak, marking their first win of the season after a challenging start.
Memphis showed resilience and determination, overcoming a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter to end the game with an astonishing 26-2 scoring run.
On the other side, Jerami Grant was the top performer for the Trail Blazers with 27 points, but it was not enough to extend their three-game winning streak. Malcolm Brogdon recorded an impressive stat line with 18 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds, while Shaedon Sharpe added 18 points and eight rebounds.
The win allowed Memphis to split a two-game series with Portland, with the Trail Blazers previously emerging victorious with a 115-113 overtime victory in the first game.
Despite the victory, the Trail Blazers were without their No. 3 overall pick, Scoot Henderson, who missed his second consecutive game due to an ankle injury.
Portland had a challenging night, shooting 38.9 percent from the field, including 14 of 45 from beyond the arc. Their struggles were particularly evident in the final quarter, where they made just 5 of 25 shots, including a streak of 14 consecutive misses.
In contrast, the Grizzlies displayed efficient shooting, connecting on 50.6 percent of their field goal attempts and making 13 of 32 three-pointers. Marcus Smart contributed 10 points for Memphis.
The Trail Blazers made a significant push in the third quarter, outscoring Memphis 31-19 and turning an eight-point deficit into a four-point lead. However, Sharpe’s early fourth-quarter efforts increased Portland’s lead to 91-82.
Memphis then orchestrated a stunning comeback with a 9-0 run, powered by Smart and Bane, which put them within three points with 5:26 left. Subsequently, the Grizzlies took control, and a series of plays by Bane, Jackson, and Bismack Biyombo secured a 104-100 lead.
The Grizzlies never looked back, and Bane’s 18-footer and Kennard’s 3-pointer solidified their victory with a 109-100 lead. Jackson’s three-point play effectively ended the contest.
The first half was dominated by Jackson, who scored 16 points, helping Memphis secure a 63-55 halftime lead. Brogdon and Grant were the key contributors for the Trail Blazers with 14 points each in the first half.
