With nearly every Memphis Grizzlies defensive rebound, coach Taylor Jenkins could be heard screaming “go!” while his team pushed the ball up the floor.
Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart obliged by zooming up the floor to create scoring opportunities. By the time those three players exited Friday’s preseason finale against the Miami Heat, Memphis was in firm control.
A 14-0 Heat run in the fourth quarter flipped the game. Miami took the lead and held onto a 114-109 victory at FedExForum.
Bane and Santi Aldama tied for the Grizzlies lead with 19 points. Morant finished with 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
Jaylen Wells provided instant offense off the bench with 11 points.
Miami closed the game on a 26-9 run to pull off the comeback victory against Grizzlies backups.
Memphis will begin regular season action on Wednesday against the Utah Jazz.
Ja Morant, Desmond Bane show versatility
Morant and Bane's nights appear to be done. Morant finished with 17 points and six assists, while Bane added 19 points and seven assists. Both players having the ability to score and pass is one reason why they're viewed as one of the top backcourts. Memphis leads 97-88 with 9:49 left.
Santi Aldama hits fifth 3-pointer
Aldama has connected on five of his seven 3-point attempts. He's up to 19 points total. Memphis leads 88-80 with 1:15 left in the third quarter.
Ja Morant leading the way
Ja Morant has accounted for 61.1% of Grizzlies points in the third quarter. He's scored four points and also dished out three assists. Memphis leads 80-73 with 3:17 left in the third quarter.
Halftime: Grizzlies 62 Heat 60
Desmond Bane's second quarter eruption
Desmond Bane is up to 10 points in the second quarter and 15 total to lead Memphis. He also has four assists. The Grizzlies are up to 38 points scored in the second quarter after a slow start. Memphis leads 62-54 with 53.1 seconds remaining.
Jaylen Wells makes instant impact
Rookie guard Jaylen Wells checked into the game and knocked down two 3-pointers. His ability to take and make shots will be important for Memphis without Luke Kennard and Vince Williams Jr. being available. Memphis leads 52-49 with 2:50 left in the second quarter.
Ja Morant, Santi Aldama leading the way
Ja Morant and Santi Aldama are the first players on either team to reach double figures. Morant and Aldama each have 11 points. Memphis leads 42-37 with 7:09 left in the second quarter.
End of first quarter: Heat 28 Grizzlies 24
Santi Aldama gets the offense going
Memphis didn't make a 3-pointer in the first quarter until Santi Aldama knocked down two on consecutive possesions. He leads Memphis with six points after the first quarter.
Getting up and down
The Grizzlies are pushing the pace with Ja Morant pack in the lineup. They've had early turnovers, and the Miami Heat have taken advantage with a 17-10 lead with 6:29 left in the first quarter.
Memphis Grizzlies vs Miami Heat
- Date: Friday, Oct. 18
- Time: 7 p.m. CT
- Location: FedExForum
What channel is Grizzlies vs Heat game on today?
- TV channel: Bally Sports
- Streaming: Fubo.tv , Bally Sports app
- Radio: 92.9 FM
Grizzlies vs Heat betting odds
Game lines and odds from BetMGM as of Monday:
- Spread: Grizzlies -9.5
- Over/under : 222.5
- Moneyline: Heat -375
EDEY PRAISE: NBA great Kevin Garnett praises Grizzlies rookie Zach Edey: 'He look like Zach Alcindor'
Grizzlies vs Heat injury updatesrizzlies: ;=Jaren Jackson Jr. (hamstring), Cam Spencer (ankle), GG Jackson (foot surgery), Vince Williams Jr. (left shin), Marcus Smart (knee), Luke Kennard (foot soreness)
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com . Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Ja Morant, Grizzlies starters shine before fourth quarter preseason letdown vs Heat
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