Wizards Get Whooped on by a Morant-Less Grizzlies Team

Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole (13), center, reaches for the ball against Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) and forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13), right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)(AP/Nick Wass)

(By Wole @Wole_USS)

Washington, DC— After snapping their 16-game losing streak, the Washington Wizards get blown out by a Ja Morant-less Memphis Grizzlies team 140-112.

The Wizards (3-19) were unable to match their play last night against the Denver Nuggets.  Wizards guard Jordan Poole scored 39 points last night, but tonight he was held to nine points.  Wizards Coach Brian Keefe credits the Grizzlies’ defensive efforts on Poole.

“They designed a whole plan to basically almost box and one him,” said Coach Keefe.  He added that the Grizzlies defense on Poole through off their offensive rhythm. 

In last night’s game against the Nuggets, the Wizards shot 39 percent (16/41) from the three-point line.  Tonight, the Wizards shot 18 percent (6/32) from three.  This game was the second game of a back-to-back.  Monumental Sports’ Wizards reporter Chase Hughes asked coach Keefe if last night’s game impacted tonight’s effort and Coach Keefe said, “I do not. No.” 

Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. led team without the help of Morant and guard Desmond Bane.  Both players were out nursing injuries.  Jackson Jr. finished the game with 21 points. 

The Wizards were unable to stop a limited Grizzlies’ assault, which included the Wizards inability to guard the three. 

The Grizzlies shot close 40 percent from the three.  Memphis had four players with two or more three-point makes.  

It all wasn’t bad for the Wizards.  Washington forward Bilal Coulibaly dropped 17 points and seemed more confident in his offensive game tonight compared to prior weeks.  Late in the second quarter of the game, Coulibaly hit a three-pointer to cut the Grizzlies lead to 57-40, which was a relief for the Wizards young forward.

“It’s been tough for me to shoot the ball.  Yeah, but as soon as I saw that one going in, I was like, yeah.  I knew it was going in because as soon as I shot the ball it felt really good,” said Coulibaly.

Another bright spot for the Wizards was the play of forward Marvin Bagley III.  As a reserve, Bagley scored 20 points and grabbed seven rebounds.  Over the last three games, he has averaged 12 points per game, and six rebounds.  Just recently, Bagley has been part of the Wizards rotation, which he’s taking advantage of.

“Don’t take any moment for granted.  It could be gone quick, so I just try to do my best whenever I’m out there,” said Bagley.

Due to the NBA Cup, the Wizards won’t have a game until Friday, when they travel to Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers (21-4) also loss tonight, falling to the Miami Heat, 122-113.  The Cavs will be sitting till Friday as well, so both teams will be motivated to get back in the win column.