Ja Morant and Taylor Jenkins said the All-Star break will be a welcomed reset for the Memphis Grizzlies. 

The Grizzlies headed off into the All-Star break with a win over the Utah Jazz. It was a fitting way to wrap up the best, most promising start to a season in franchise history. The future has never looked better, on and off the court. 

The Grizzlies were hot early, but had to hold on for dear life late, their 24-point lead in the first half reduced to only one in the second.

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Box score: Grizzlies 117, Jazz 111

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The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Utah Jazz at FedExForum on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.

The pressure is on to deliver, but not necessarily on the basketball court. 

The Grizzlies welcomed “cool dude” Luke Kennard with open arms over the weekend. The newest Memphis addition, a dog lover and gamer, has high expectations for his new team.

With the trade deadline over and the All-Star break one game away, Chris Herrington shares his wisdom on all things Memphis Grizzlies.

Ja Morant still believes the Grizzlies are “fine in the West,” but Memphis clearly needs Steven Adams back on the court. 

NBA box score for the game Sunday, Feb. 12 between the Memphis Grizzlies and Boston Celtics played at TD Garden in Boston.

The Celtics made 21 3-pointers in the game, a mark the Grizzlies have hit just once since 2019. 

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Box Score: Celtics 119, Grizzlies 109

Ja Morant showcased it all in a 32-point, nine-assist and nine-rebound effort. Desmond Bane added 20 points and Jaren Jackson Jr. finished with 15 points and four blocks. 

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Box score: Grizzlies 128, Timberwolves 107

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NBA box score for the game Friday, Feb. 10 between the Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves played at FedExForum in Memphis.

Morant was the natural replacement in the starting lineup, averaging 27.4 points, 8.3 assists and 5.8 rebounds this season. 

Memphis’ general manager Zach Kleiman said the Grizzlies’ championship window is open. 

The Grizzlies plan similar collaborations in the future.

Notes on what the Memphis Grizzlies did — and didn’t do — at Thursday’s NBA trade deadline.

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Who won the trade deadline? OK, not the Grizzlies. And Ja Morant became the punchline of a viral tweet. But do not be too discouraged, my fellow Memphians. The Grizz will be fine (in the West).

Kennard was selected with the 12th overall pick by the Detroit Pistons in the 2017 NBA draft. He spent three seasons in Detroit, breaking out in his third year with 15.8 points and 4.1 assists per game on 39% 3-point shooting. 

The Grizzlies sent three second-round picks to the Clippers and Danny Green to Houston as part of the three-team deal, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

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Get to know new Memphis Grizzlies player Luke Kennard

As teams in the West make moves, attention shifts to the Grizzlies. Can they make a deal?

My best sense is that the Grizzlies aren’t desperate to deal. But most of the team’s perimeter reserves have declined of late, in performance and/or in playing time, which suggests a real immediate need as the playoffs loom.

Ja Morant dug in, Dillon Brooks got booed and the Grizzlies fell behind yet again. Which is when head coach Taylor Jenkins urged his team to “embrace the adversity.” It turned out to be winning advice.

Dillon Brooks said he’s been booed everywhere, so it’s only right that he is booed in Memphis. 

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Box score: Grizzlies 104, Bulls 89

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