Field Level Media
Apr 30, 2021
Dillon Brooks scored 16 of his 20 points in the second half to lead the host Memphis Grizzlies to a 92-75 win over the Orlando Magic on Friday night.
Jonas Valanciunas' 14 points and 15 rebounds helped the Grizzlies (32-30) overcome a generally poor shooting performance and defeat the Magic (19-44) in the first of home-and-home games against Orlando on back-to-back nights.
Memphis, which holds eighth place in the Western Conference, is 2 1/2 games behind the seventh-place Portland Trail Blazers and three games behind the sixth-place Dallas Mavericks.
Cole Anthony and Mo Bamba each scored 15 points to lead Orlando, which lost for the seventh time in its past eight games. Bamba and Donta Hall each had 11 rebounds and R.J. Hampton finished with 11 points.
The Grizzlies shot only 34.3 percent (34-for-99) and 11-for-39 (28.2 percent) from 3-point range, but their defense allowed the fewest points it has this season. Memphis held Orlando to 31.4 percent (27-for-86) shooting overall, including 6-for-26 (23.1 percent) from 3-point range.
Kyle Anderson played a major role in that defensive effort with three blocks to go along with his 13 points and six rebounds.
Both teams shot under 35 percent in the first half as the Magic led 43-39 at halftime.
The Grizzlies used a 25-4 surge in the third quarter to break the game open and outscored Orlando 36-15 for the period.
The Magic already were missing Devin Cannady (right ankle), Michael Carter-Williams (left ankle), Markelle Fultz (left torn ACL) and Jonathan Isaac (left knee) with long-term injuries, and Chuma Okeke was out with a sprained left ankle and Terrence Ross sat out with back spasms. Otto Porter Jr. (left foot) also remained out.
Tyrone Corbin coached the Magic for the fourth consecutive game as Steve Clifford remained away from the team due to health and safety protocols.
Memphis played without Grayson Allen, who is dealing with a left hand injury, and Jaren Jackson Jr., who rested his left knee on Friday.
--Field Level Media