Memphis Grizzlies beat Nets, snap 5-game losing streak as Taylor Jenkins gets win No. 200
An opportunity to avenge a blowout loss just a week later was in the Memphis Grizzlies' hands.
The Brooklyn Nets beat the Grizzlies by 25 points on Feb. 26, but Memphis looked much better on Monday night at Barclays Center. The Grizzlies led by six points with two minutes left in the game and made clutch free throws in the final seconds as the Nets still loomed. Memphis held on and gutted out a 106-102 victory, the 200th career win for coach Taylor Jenkins.
Luke Kennard led the Grizzlies (21-41) with a season-high 25 points. After being outscored by two points in the first quarter, Memphis won the scoring battle in each of the last three.
The Grizzlies have had notable fourth-quarter struggles this season, but they surpassed 20 points in the fourth quarter Monday after not doing so in the previous six games.
Center Nic Claxton led the Nets (24-37) with 21 points.
Here are some takeaways from the game.
Nine active Grizzlies players
Even with a bunch of injuries, the Grizzlies have had options to choose from in their rotation. With only nine players available against the Nets, however, that changed. All nine active Grizzlies played at least 19 minutes and scored at least five points.
Limited depth at center led the Grizzlies to relying on two-way contract signee Trey Jemison as the starter. He flashed the main skills that had prompted the team to sign him, showcasing his ability to protect the rim and finish around the rim.
Jemison made an impressive play when he met Claxton at the rim and swatted the dunk attempt. The block led to a four-point swing after Vince Williams Jr. scored in transition. Jemison had 10 points and seven rebounds in 19 minutes before fouling out.
Luke Kennard paces the offense
Jenkins has challenged Kennard to improve as a playmaker, and Monday was a reason why. Kennard got himself involved by knocking down six 3-pointers and getting the offense going. He had seven assists after the Nets emphasized slowing him down. Even though Brooklyn put its top defenders on Kennard, he still got hot late in the fourth quarter and put the game away with timely baskets.
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Taylor Jenkins gets 200 wins
After five consecutive losses, Jenkins finally secured his 200th career win as the Grizzlies' coach. He is the second coach in franchise history to reach 200 wins, joining Lionel Hollins.
Jenkins is 14 wins from tying Hollins' franchise record of 214 wins. The Grizzlies still have 20 more games, but given how the season has gone, Jenkins likely will have to wait until next season to surpass Hollins. Considering that Jenkins' first career win as a head coach came against the Nets, Monday was a full circle moment.
What's next
The Grizzlies will remain on the road to face the Philadelphia 76ers at 6:30 p.m. CT Wednesday. Jaren Jackson Jr. was listed as doubtful ahead of Monday's game, so he should have a better chance at returning after missing the past three games.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies beat Nets, Taylor Jenkins gets 200th career win