Grizzlies clinch playoff spot, score 151 in historic win vs. Rockets
The Memphis Grizzlies offense had one of the best performances In franchise history Friday night against the Houston Rockets, clinching a playoff spot in the process.
Desmond Bane and Luke Kennard couldn't miss 3-pointers, Ja Morant was creating highlight plays and Jaren Jackson Jr. was putting the ball onto the floor and punishing defenders. The inside-out attack made for an efficient night.
Of all the Grizzlies stars, Kennard may have had the biggest night by setting a new single-game franchise record for 3-pointers made with 10 as Memphis defeated the Rockets 151-114 at FedExForum. The 151 points were the second-most in franchise history.
Kennard led the Grizzlies with 30 points. Bane added 25 points, and Morant scored 18 points off the bench while adding eight assists.
The Grizzlies (46-27) have won 12 straight games at home. Houston (18-56) got 20 points apiece from Kevin Porter Jr. and Jabari Smith Jr.
The win on Friday night clinched the third consecutive playoff berth for the Grizzlies.
Here are some takeaways from the game.
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Luke Kennard sets a new franchise record
In the past, when Bane has exited the game, teams could sink more into the paint against the Grizzlies. That may not be the case anymore with Kennard in the fold. The trade deadline acquisition was shooting aggressively and knocking down 3-pointers from every angle. He set a new franchise record 10 3-pointers made.
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins has staggered the minutes of Kennard and Bane to where at least one of them is on the floor at all times when the game is competitive. Jenkins is also putting Kennard and Bane on the floor in stretches together, which is giving players like Jackson and Morant more space to attack the basket.
Ja Morant rounding into form
The full Morant arsenal was on display in a highlight-filled game from the two-time All-Star. Morant knocked down his first 3-pointer since returning from an eight game suspension and finished acrobatically around the rim with both hands. When Morant made a floater over the 7-foot-3 Rockets center Boban Marjanovic, Morant's father, Tee, jokingly did the "too small" gesture from his courtside seat. The all-black custom mask for Morant's nasal fracture isn't impacting his vision. He proved it when he drove to the basket, looked to his left and dished a no-look past to a wide open Xavier Tillman Sr. on his right.
Everybody eats
The Grizzlies showed the full potential of their offense on Friday. An 83-point first half was the second-highest in franchise history, and the 31-point margin also was the second-largest lead at halftime in team history. The Grizzlies made 14 3-pointers in the first half and shot 60% from the field. Bane, Tyus Jones and Kennard made 12 of those first-half 3-pointers. Morant and Jackson did most of their damage inside the paint.
What's next
The Grizzlies will head on the road for a game against the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday (5 p.m., Bally Sports Southeast, NBA TV). The Hawks (36-37) are 20-15 at home. The Grizzlies are playing some of their best basketball since January. A game against the Hawks should be a good test before the Grizzlies return home.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Luke Kennard, Memphis Grizzlies offense shine in win vs. Rockets
