Desmond Bane celebrated his homecoming with 21 points on 58% shooting in the blowout. 

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Box score: Grizzlies 135, Pacers 102

On a drive to the basket against the Los Angeles Clippers on Jan. 8, Brooks stepped on the foot of a defender, badly spraining his ankle. It took him more than two months to make his eventual return, which came on Sunday against Oklahoma City. 

Here is a closer look at the efficiencies of Grizzlies lineups, and if you’re watching the NCAA Tournament, who might be of interest.

The Grizzlies have a record of 12-2 this season with Ja Morant unavailable. 

It’s perfect timing for the return of Dillon Brooks. 

March 13, 2022: The Memphis Grizzlies defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.

Brooks scored 15 points in his return from his ankle injury, and the Grizzlies thwarted the Thunder’s late run. 

The defensive force has played just 21 games this season. The Grizzlies will try to reintegrate him as quickly as possible. 

March 11, 2022: The Memphis Grizzlies defeat the New York Knicks at FedExForum. 

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Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. come to rescue vs. Knicks

Ja Morant scored 10 straight and Jaren Jackson Jr. had three blocks during a key run as the Grizzlies erased an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter. 

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Box score: Grizzlies 118, Knicks 114

The Grizzlies know that the shooting must improve to win in the playoffs. “Maybe there are some things schematic-wise and spacing that I can work with,” Coach Taylor Jenkins said. 

Shaquille O’Neal said he told Ja Morant that he’s the best player in the NBA, and the point guard believes his team is getting close to being playoff ready. 

The Grizzlies show off in style, and on national television. 

March 8, 2022: The Memphis Grizzlies defeat the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum.

Memphis cruised with big nights from Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane.

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Box score: Grizzlies 132, Pelicans 111

It may well be that the Grizzlies haven’t been quite as good as their record suggests this season. But it’s also possible that with Brooks back they will be.

The Memphis Grizzlies have some serious concerns as they turn their attention toward the final stretch of games. 

March 6, 2022: The Houston Rockets defeat the Memphis Grizzlies at Toyota Center in Houston.

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League-worst Rockets pick apart Grizzlies’ defense

The Grizzlies defense completely fell apart in the second half, and Jaren Jackson Jr. played just 13 minutes because of foul trouble.

Ja Morant’s stardom exploded following his triple-double during the NCAA Tournament three years ago. But he has even higher hopes for the current Murray State team. 

If the Grizzlies can hang on to the No. 2 seed, it bodes well for a more favorable playoff matchup.

March 5, 2022: Memphis Grizzlies defeat the Orlando Magic at FedExForum.

Desmond Bane regained his shooting touch, scoring 24 points as the Grizzlies ran away with the game.

March 3, 2022: The Boston Celtics defeat the Memphis Grizzlies at TD Garden in Boston.

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Celtics beat cold-shooting Grizzlies

The Grizzlies, including Ja Morant, struggled throughout the first half, and couldn’t make the necessary stops in the fourth quarter to get back in the game. 

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Box score: Celtics 120, Grizzlies 107