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The Memphis Grizzlies took to the floor at FedExForum for their third game of a four game homestand. Their opponent? The Cleveland Cavaliers, who would be without Collin Sexton due to an ankle injury. Could Memphis take advantage of homecourt on Thursday night?
First Five
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) January 8, 2021
@1Tyus @dillonbrooks24 @KyleAnderson5 @brandonclarke23 @JValanciunas
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First Quarter:
The Memphis Grizzlies started the first quarter rather slowly. Trailing 8-3 in the opening minutes, they closed out the quarter on a 18-4 run. The Grizzlies offense found its footing, and through that the bottom of the net. The Grizzlies led the Cavaliers 24-19 after one at FedExForum.
Grizzlies lead the Cavs 24-19 at the end of the first quarter. Not a bad start, all things considered. Osman leading the Cavs with 8 points. Balanced scoring effort for the Grizzlies with Grayson Allen leading the scoring with 6 points off two 3-pointers.
— Grizzly Bear Blues (@sbnGrizzlies) January 8, 2021
Second Quarter:
Seven second quarter turnovers by the Grizzlies left the Cavaliers in the ball game due to points off of those turnovers. The Cavaliers outshot the Grizzlies from deep in the first half as well, which is not normal for a team that takes the most two point shots in the NBA. Cleveland outshot Memphis +5 in the three point department (9/19). The Grizzlies trailed Cleveland 46-45 after one half in Memphis.
Cavs lead the Grizzlies 46-45 at the break. Subpar performances from the Grizzlies tonight against a depleted Cavs team.
— Grizzly Bear Blues (@sbnGrizzlies) January 8, 2021
Third Quarter:
The Grizzlies led by as much as seven in the third quarter, and outscored the Cavaliers 24-21 in the third. The Cavaliers went on a 5-0 run in the final minute to cut the Grizzlies seven point lead down to two. The Grizzlies would head to the fourth quarter with a 69-67 lead over Cleveland.
The Cavaliers close the 3rd quarter on a 5-0 run as the Grizzlies hold a nice 69-67 lead heading into the 4th quarter. Grizzlies are going to need to find some sort of offense out of someone other than JV, BC and DB
— Grizzly Bear Blues (@sbnGrizzlies) January 8, 2021
Fourth Quarter:
In the fourth quarter, the Grizzlies continued to let Andre Drummond be a one man wrecking crew for the Cavaliers. The Grizzlies gave up run after run to let Cleveland stay in the game, and letting the underdog team hang around is never good. All night, the Grizzlies lack the energy, and execution to put the Cavaliers away. The Grizzlies went nearly four minutes without a field goal in the closing minutes of the fourth as the Grizzlies would fall to the Cavaliers 94-90 at FedEx Forum.
The Memphis Grizzlies will be back in action tomorrow night at FedExForum as they take on the Brooklyn Nets to finish out their four game homestand.
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