A depleted Memphis Grizzlies team, beset with a late-season rash of injuries to key players, got an unlikely boost Monday and may need more of the same to finish strong.
The Grizzlies, who host the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, played without two starters — All-Star forward Jaren Jackson Jr. and big man Zach Edey — in Monday’s win over Phoenix. Memphis also was minus valuable reserves Santi Aldama, Brandon Clarke, Luke Kennard and Vince Williams Jr., who had moved into Jackson’s vacated starting spot.
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins was forced to go deep into his bench Monday, where he received solid performances from rookie guard Cam Spencer, who helped UConn win last year’s NCAA title, and Lamar Stevens, recently signed to a second 10-day contract.
Spencer came off the bench to spark a comeback from 16 points down with four 3-pointers, including one to close the third quarter over Suns star Kevin Durant. Spencer began trash talking after the shot, leading to technical fouls for both players.
The Memphis veterans were impressed with Spencer’s spunk. In the locker room afterward, Grizzlies two-time All-Star Ja Morant said he’d cover the $2,000 fine Spencer automatically receives for a technical. Guard Desmond Bane said he would have pitched in had Morant not offered first.
“He’s psycho, but I love it,” Morant said of Spencer during a postgame, on-court interview.
Spencer’s competitive, refusal-to-back-down nature comes naturally. He has two brothers, including one, Pat, who plays for the Golden State Warriors.
“We were always growing up talking trash, trying to beat each other in whatever sport it was,” Spencer said. “Whatever it is, you didn’t want to lose because you didn’t want to hear the other one talking mess to you afterward.”
Spencer, who scored 51 points in a G League game earlier this season, turned in the best outing of his fledgling NBA career.
“I was just happy to get the opportunity for some minutes tonight,” he said. “I tried to make the most of them.
“I’m all about winning and doing whatever the team needs. That was my main focus.”
Stevens contributed as well. He finished with 13 points in a more subdued display. His 3-pointer late in the third quarter capped a 12-3 run and put the Grizzlies ahead by nine. Memphis would trail only one other time — for less than a minute — the rest of the way.
While the unexpected contributions have fueled the Grizzlies’ three-game win streak, Morant has been the catalyst, despite dealing with a right shoulder injury. He had 29 points and 12 assists against Phoenix.
“I just have to appreciate the little things,” he said. “And right now, I’m able to be out there and play basketball, which I’ve had the experience of not being able to.”
Utah, which is 15-50 overall, enters the game going in a different direction. The Jazz have dropped six straight and eight of nine, including Monday’s 114-108 loss to the Boston Celtics.
Utah coach Will Hardy said his team has to continue to believe in itself.
“The guys have been really resilient all year,” Hardy said. “The camaraderie amongst the group is really at a high level right now. They are encouraging each other and trying to pick up guys who maybe aren’t shooting well, trying to instill some belief in them. That’s what a high functioning team does.”
John Collins had 28 points and 10 rebounds against Boston but was just 12-of-30 shooting. Brice Sensabaugh had 22 points and five 3-pointers off the bench.
Utah star Lauri Markkanen (back) has missed the past nine games.
–Field Level Media
