The Memphis Grizzlies played from behind most of Wednesday night against the Miami Heat at FedExForum until they took an early fourth-quarter lead after a Santi Aldama 3-pointer. Momentum shifted in the Grizzlies’ direction for a brief moment, but the Heat were unfazed.
Miami went on a 10-2 run during a three-minute stretch in the fourth quarter to build an 11-point lead, and the Grizzlies were unable to overcome that deficit, losing 108-102.
The Grizzlies (1-7) were led by Jaren Jackson Jr.’s 28 points. Center Bam Adebayo scored 30 points to lead the Heat (4-4).
Memphis is at home Friday to play the Utah Jazz in its second in-season tournament game.
Fourth quarter
FINAL: Heat 108, Grizzlies 102
8:01 left: The Grizzlies trail 86-85. Memphis took the lead early in the fourth quarter after a Santi Aldama 3-pointer, but Miami quickly responded. Jaren Jackson Jr. is up to 24 points, and Bam Adebayo leads Miami with 20 points.
Third quarter
End of third quarter: Heat 77, Grizzlies 76
This game is a bаttle. The Grizzlies have fought back behind Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., but Miami is holding onto its lead. Jackson leads the Grizzlies with 20 points.
3:23 left: The Miami Heat have called a timeout after the Grizzlies have made it a four-point game. Memphis trails 73-69, but the momentum is shifting.
6:25 left: Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. have combined for 16 points, but the Grizzlies trail 71-64. Miami has four starters in double figures, led by Jimmy Butler’s 15 points.
Second quarter
Halftime: Heat 54, Grizzlies 46
Both offenses slowed down in the second quarter in part to strong defensive play. Memphis shooting 34.8% and holding Miami to 44.7% shooting. Kennard leads the Grizzlies with 11 points. All of those came in the first quarter. Heat star Jimmy Butler has 12 points to lead Miami.
Desmond Bane’s struggles
Desmond Bane made a nice 3-pointer after a steаl when he went behind the back and made the shot, but everything else hasn’t been as good for the Grizzlies star. He finished the first half with three points on 1-for-7 shooting.
Tyler Herro out for the game
6:45 left: The Grizzlies trail 40-38. Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro suffered a right ankle sprain near the end of the first quarter and he will not return. Herro is the Heat’s leading scorer and a big loss.
First quarter
End of first quarter: Heat 33, Grizzlies 26
Memphis got within one point after Luke Kennard make three consecutive 3-pointers to make it a 20-19. Miami responded with an 8-0 run that started with a Tyler Herro steаl and score. Herro is Miami’s leading scorer this season, but he limped off the floor and headed to the lockerroom late in the first quarter. His absence looms large if he isn’t able to return.
The Grizzlies shot 34.6% in the first quarter. Miami was much better at 55.6%. Kennard leads the Grizzlies with 11 points.6:45 left: The Grizzlies trail the Heat 17-10. Miami is shooting 57.1%, while the Grizzlies are at 33.% so far. Bismack Biyombo’s has secured four of the five Memphis rebounds.
Grizzlies vs Heat
The Memphis Grizzlies said Sunday’s win against the Portland Trail Blazers was a relief. Now that the pressure has been released, it’s time to see if this team can turn it around.
Memphis (1-6) will get a good test for that answer on Wednesday against the Miami Heat. These two teams met in the preseason, but that was before a lot of roster changes.
Miami (3-4) is coming off a 108-107 win against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Heat have struggled replacing key contributors from last season. Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo have been as good as ever, plus Jimmy Butler can still shine when the lights are brightest. Outside of those three, Miami has lacked consistency.
The same can be said for the Grizzlies. Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Marcus Smart are having solid seasons, but the search for production around them has been an issue. That’s in part because of injuries. Memphis will be without Xavier Tillman Sr. and Derrick Rose, plus John Konchar is listed as doubtful. That doesn’t include the players who suffered preseason injuries.Memphis got a recent boost with the addition of Bismack Biyombo at center. He finished with eight points, 11 rebounds and three blocks in his first start on Sunday. The Grizzlies will need him to be just as good today against Adebayo.