Good, sustainable starts are going to be critical for the Grizzlies on an important three-game road trip, according to Desmond Bane. 

Ja Morant spoke on the criticism he faced following the “Rock Ya Hips” dance he did during a win over New Orleans on Dec. 26.

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Grizzlies comeback falls short against Raptors
Box score: Raptors 116, Grizzlies 111

The Memphis Grizzlies lost to the Toronto Raptors at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee, on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024.

The Grizzlies cut the Toronto lead to four in the fourth quarter, but the late push came up short. 

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Ja Morant says he appreciates Memphis defending him amid dance criticism

Box score: Raptors 116, Grizzlies 111

Darko Rajakovic said his stop in Memphis was instrumental in preparing him for his first NBA head coaching job with the Raptors.

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Darko’s back: Grizzlies players, coaches praise former assistant

Two rare talents, and two of the league’s most compelling young stars, met on the floor of FedExForum Tuesday night.

Ja Morant dunked on Victor Wembanyama, starting a sequence that put the Spurs away in the fourth quarter on Tuesday.

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Grizzlies Insider: Even with wounded hand, Marcus Smart makes no excuses

Box score: Grizzlies 106, Spurs 98

The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the San Antonio Spurs at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee, on Jan. 2, 2024.

Let it Fly, the sports bar Mike Miller opened in 2019, closed its Germantown location.

Jaren Jackson Jr. said former assistant coach Darko Rajakovic, now with the Raptors, always knew how to motivate him. 

At shootaround, Marcus Smart’s peeled back the bandage on his left hand exposing a gnarly wound. He’s playing through it, and setting an example for Grizzlies teammates.

Time only moves in one direction, and if a new year can’t exactly offer a fresh start in the standings, it can perhaps offer a new trajectory. 

NBA box score for Sunday’s game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Sacramento Kings.

The Grizzlies have allowed opponents to shoot 49% or better in each of their last three games. 

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Box Score: Kings 123, Grizzlies 92

Illness has smacked Memphis hard over the last few weeks. The Grizzlies were out-rebounded 54-33 in a loss to the Clippers on Friday night. 

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Box score: Clippers 117, Grizzlies 106

NBA box score for Friday’s game between the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Clippers.

Ja Morant was not listed on the Grizzlies injury report ahead of the game against the Los Angeles Clippers Friday.

The Memphis Grizzlies lost to the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023.

The Denver Nuggets ended the Grizzlies’ four-game winning streak as Ja Morant sat out with an illness. 

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Box score: Nuggets 142, Grizzlies 105

Grizzlies Insider: Memphis enters opportunistic window for postseason hopes

With Ja Morant questionable due to an illness, the Grizzlies begin a critical stretch of games against likely playoff teams.

Marcus Smart made critical winning plays in his return from a foot sprain that had sidelined him since mid-November. 

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Box score: Grizzlies 116, Pelicans 115 (OT)

Grizzlies Insider: Should Marcus Smart start for the Grizzlies?

The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the New Orleans Pelicans in overtime at Smoothie King Arena n New Orleans, Louisiana, on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023.

Ja Morant averaged 28.0 points, 9.0 assists and 5.7 rebounds in his first three games this season. 

Vince Williams Jr. has done plenty to prove he deserves to be a starter, but the Grizzlies need to see what Ja Morant and Marcus Smart look like together on the court. 

Marcus Smart, in his first year with the Grizzlies, has not played since he injured left his foot Nov. 14, missing the last 16 games Memphis has played.