They played on a mint-colored court, but the Grizzlies were far from being in mint condition Friday night.

Down three projected starters, a replacement starter, a key bench player and a pair of rookies, Memphis still handled the Hornets in an easy 108-93 victory in Charlotte. 

Grizzlies’ Grayson Allen day to day with ankle sprain

Without question, the Grizzlies’ first step in 2021 was a good one, if only because for the first time in days, Memphis played a game without adding a player to the injury list.

Grayson Allen, who practiced Thursday, missed the game with an ankle sprain. Ja Morant sat out his second straight game with an ankle injury in an inactive stretch expected to last three to five weeks.

Despite the lineup turmoil, they aim to make no excuses. That is much easier to do when the team wins. 

Dillon Brooks scored a game-high 21 points and Kyle Anderson added 18 to lead the way. 

Box score: Grizzlies 108, Hornets 93

“We feel bad for those guys right now, but that’s more opportunity for others,” backup center Gorgui Dieng said Thursday. “We have to take advantage and play well. Every game matters. You can’t find an excuse every night.”

Showing some fight

After a blowout loss to the Celtics two days ago, the Grizzlies’ depleted roster fought from the start against the Hornets.

Eight Grizzlies scored in the first half, and every available player on the team played at least 19 minutes.

Ja Morant the player and cultural phenom: Larger than life

Memphis opened an 11-point lead in the second quarter behind a strong defensive effort that held Charlotte to 40% shooting in the first half and forced 10 turnovers.

The Hornets closed the gap to six at the break with a scoring jolt by rookie LaMelo Ball, who finished with 15 points and six assists. 

Ball, the third overall pick in the 2020 draft, figured to be one of the most intriguing point guard matchups for Morant this season because of his similar passing abilities. 

Instead he matched up with Tyus Jones, who stepped up and had a game-high 12 assists to go with six points. 

“Huge impact tonight by Tyus,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said. “I think he recognizes the opportunity he has now being in the starting lineup. I think his teammates have been pumping him up as well. . . . I thought he made unbelievable reads, got the team organized and put us in great spots all night.”

Memphis extended its lead in the third quarter to 19 points, and continued to rely on its defense to stay in front. 

Grizzlies guard Ja Morant to miss 3-5 weeks with ankle sprain

The Hornets finished the game shooting just 40% from the floor and 29% from the 3-point line. The Grizzlies also forced them into 18 giveaways, which translated to 25 points. 

“I think it definitely started with our defense,” Jenkins said. “I challenged the guys after the Boston game coming into this one to raise our level on the defensive end. It’s got to start there. That’s how you raise your juice and raise your energy night in and night out. . . . I thought our on-ball defense and transition defense was great.”

Bench comes through

Despite being only four players deep, the Grizzlies’ bench contributed 34 points and grabbed 19 rebounds to help them hold the lead.

John Konchar, who signed a four-year, $9 million contract last month, was especially efficient with seven points, nine rebounds and five assists in a career-high 27 minutes. 

Herrington: Four takes on Morant’s injury and what it means for the Grizzlies

The former two-way player from last season could continue to see an increase in minutes if Allen and De’Anthony Melton remain unavailable. He has played more than 15 minutes in three straight games, something he did last season only five times. 

Desmond Bane also played well off the bench in the win, knocking down two 3-point shots to become only the second rookie in NBA history to make multiple shots from long range in their first five games. He finished with 10 points and four assists.

“We need that from him every time,” Brooks said of Bane. “That’s growth. . . . He’s ready to play and that jump shot is opening up the floor for him to make plays for others and finishing for himself.”

Dieng also contributed a surprising offensive outburst. The backup center dropped in a season-high 14 points and snagged eight rebounds. 

Ja Morant watch

Even on the bench, Morant is still the center of attention.

The most noticeable difference between Friday and Wednesday’s game against the Celtics? He ditched the boot that was protecting his injured left ankle.

Morant was photographed walking into the arena in white Air Force 1 Nike sneakers, a pleasant surprise for fans following the team closely on social media.

The point guard later posted a photo on Instagram of himself warming up.

“Felt good,” Morant posted. “Progress. Back soon.”

It is certainly a good sign that the guard is already back on the floor after leaving Monday’s game in a wheelchair. Regardless, Memphis is expected to be extremely cautious with its franchise player before he makes a return to the court.

Up next

Memphis returns home to take on the reigning NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers at 5 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 3, at FedExForum.