Did the Memphis Grizzlies make a statement vs. Denver Nuggets? Depends who you ask
It's easy to say the Memphis Grizzlies made a statement Saturday defeating the Denver Nuggets. They didn't trail after barely four minutes in the first quarter and led by as many 35 points at FedExForum.
The way the Western Conference-leading Nuggets were dismantled echoed back to the Grizzlies' 41-point win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Dec. 15. But the players were divided on if Saturday night's effort was actually a statement win.
"We didn't let go of the lead pretty much the whole time," said Jaren Jackson Jr. "I guess you can call it that probably just because they're a good team and the timing of it. Maybe just for us in our season."
Ja Morant disagreed and called it another good win. Tyus Jones added it was too early to tell, with more playoff contenders looming over the next 23 games.
Luke Kennard, however, sided with Jackson. Since every game is important, the Grizzlies need to send messages when they can during this sprint to the playoffs.
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"It was a definitely a big win," Kennard said. "Everybody was saying we needed this one and to come out the way that we did it and just put together a full 48 (minutes) and keep that lead the entire game, it was definitely a big win."
The Grizzlies' Thursday loss to the 76ers showed their familiar struggles, both on the road and closing games. A commanding win over the Nuggets wasn't just badly needed, it showed the Grizzlies at their best on defense, in transition and playing with fun.
They held Denver to 62 points through three quarters and, even without Steven Adams, the Grizzlies outrebounded the Nuggets 50-48. But it reminded how Western Conference teams are lambs on the road and lions at home.
After Saturday, only two West teams – the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Clippers – have winning road records. The Grizzlies' road losing streak is at eight games, and they're also 3-6 in road games decided by three points or less.
If beating Denver was a statement, the impact will come later. The Grizzlies are 1-1 on a stretch of eight of 11 games against teams that would be in the playoffs or play-in tournament right now. They host the Los Angeles Lakers Tuesday then start a four-game road trip that includes a rematch at the Nuggets on Friday.
Time will tell if this was just a good win or a sign of a turning point. That's how Jones summed it up, knowing the Grizzlies' play will determine which teammates were right.
"They're a good team but it's also one game and we know that," Jones said of the Nuggets. "So don't try to look too much into it but also try to see the positive of what we did well tonight and try to use that as momentum moving forward."
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies divided if win over Denver Nuggets made a statement
