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St Pete Serpents VS Memphis Grizzlies
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Transcript
00:02Greetings, everyone. Glad to have you here with us on this Wednesday night edition of the NBA on 2K Sports.
00:08I'm Kevin Harlan, excited to share the broadcast table tonight with Greg Anthony and Richard Jefferson.
00:13And we'll hear from Allie LaForce on the sideline.
00:17And a look at the block shot number over the last few seasons for Jaron Jackson.
00:23Unfortunately, his block numbers have been going down the last couple of seasons.
00:27Offensive players seem to have figured out ways to get around him to limit his impact.
00:33Now the starting group for the visitors.
00:36We've got Hachimura.
00:38Keon Ellis is out there with Mitch.
00:39Then there's Andre Drummond and it's Prince in at the small forward position.
00:44And for Memphis, Morant and Caldwell Pope are their guards.
00:49Zach Eady out there with Jaron Jackson.
00:52Now we know the rumor mill is always active at this point of the season, Richard.
00:55What's it like being mentioned in trade talks?
00:59It can be a blow to your confidence and it can also make you lose a little trust in your
01:03organization.
01:04You just have to remind yourself, I'm personal.
01:07And you see the unselfishness from Morant wanting to share that ball with any open teammate.
01:14Mitchell finds Ellis.
01:16Back to Mitchell.
01:17Over Morant.
01:18That's good for Mitchell on the assist by Ellis.
01:21That's a guy you want taking shots.
01:24A quality offensive player.
01:27Outside for Jackson.
01:29And he's good on the three ball.
01:31One of many weapons in Jackson Jr.'s arsenal.
01:34He can spot up on you and make it look too easy.
01:40Ellis outside.
01:42Pass to Prince.
01:50Back to Hachimura.
01:52Over Jackson.
01:53And too long on the shot.
01:55Very dangerous to leave a guy like that open.
01:58Lucky.
01:58Break there for the deep.
02:01And it's Morant missing.
02:06Drummond in the post.
02:08Edie on him.
02:09And here's Ellis from beyond the arm.
02:11A three pointer is right on target.
02:13And he's not going to miss that sort of an opportunity from deep.
02:21Mitchell against Morant.
02:24Rebounded by Ellis.
02:26Gone two or three here to start off the game.
02:29Here's Hachimura.
02:30And it's Morant with the rebound.
02:33Memphis has gone one or two from long range in the first quarter.
02:37Richard the dynamic.
02:38John Morant.
02:39He is an absolute fan and broadcaster favors.
02:42I'm trying to think of a more exciting player than John Morant and I'm coming up short.
02:47John doesn't just make plays.
02:49He makes memories.
02:50Hachimura no good.
02:52For Memphis, they've gone three of five shooting the ball so far.
02:56Down low.
02:57Edie.
02:58That's his second shot and his second basket.
03:01He's two for two.
03:02And once he got to the ten, I think he was surprised to find himself that wide open.
03:07Easy possessions like that literally are just a gift.
03:10You just dream of them.
03:12He will gladly take those.
03:17And the Grizzlies take on two more.
03:21Oh, this is the kind of start they were hoping for.
03:38And for a look at how the competition stacks up right now.
03:42Here's the latest edition of the power rankings.
03:44They tell a great story.
03:45Taking a look at Oklahoma City.
03:47They're moving on up.
03:49Fourth spot in the rankings this time around.
03:51And you know right now for the visiting team.
03:54They've done a great job of just staying in their lane.
03:58Following their game plan and remaining as consistent as anyone.
04:02Which can be encouraging moving forward.
04:05Second chance points always hurt.
04:08Just not enough effort to block out.
04:10Yeah, I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say they need to emphasize rebelling going forward.
04:15And man, does Morant put on a show.
04:17He's got such insane athleticism.
04:20First trip to the free throw line for him tonight.
04:25That's good from Morant.
04:28Now about three minutes gone in the first quarter.
04:32Ellis the pass to Prince.
04:33Ellis dishes to Prince.
04:37Mitchell kicks to Ellis.
04:41Prince in the corner.
04:43Back to Mitchell.
04:44Pass to Ellis.
04:46Four on the clock.
04:48Here's Trumman.
04:50Frizzly is with the rebound.
04:52And last season they made short work of this club.
04:56Two games, two wins.
04:57These guys are looking forward to this year now.
05:01Putting last season behind them.
05:03Just playing with poise and confidence.
05:05And they continue to put points on the board.
05:08And it's because they're not playing in a rush.
05:11They're just letting their shots done naturally within the flow of the offense.
05:14Great anticipation defensively.
05:16They were keyed in on him and ready to pounce.
05:20Yeah, they have gone full throttle from the opening tip.
05:23Showing no signs of letting up.
05:26Yeah, they're in control on both ends of the court.
05:28And it's always impressive when you build a double digit lead in the first quarter.
05:32Ellis can't get it to go.
05:34I think the defense will live with him taking mid-range jumpers.
05:38But maybe just a little bit more resistance.
05:41And the shot goes in.
05:42And you can't help but pick their defense apart.
05:46They're completely in disarray.
05:49Mitchell finds Drummond.
05:51And they get it.
05:54Edie with the rebound.
05:56And the well is running dry for him right now.
05:59Nothing far.
06:01Yeah, and the risk now is that he gets inside his own head.
06:05Time to take deep breaths in through the nose, out through the mouth.
06:08And let the game come to you.
06:10Back to Ellis.
06:11Pass to Mitchell.
06:13Here's Hachimura.
06:14Good.
06:15It's Mitchell picking up the assist.
06:17And how about that exhale there.
06:20Finally gets one to fall through six attempts.
06:22And this Grizzlies organization, Greg, not afraid to innovate.
06:27Yeah, we see that with the offense they've implemented.
06:29Different from just about any other team in the league.
06:33Rather than pick and roll, it's much more predicated on off-ball shifts and cutting.
06:38If he gets that look again, he should take it.
06:41You can't let one miss scare you off of a very good shot.
06:45Morantz with the steal.
06:47And here we go.
06:48Fast break and Morantz got it.
06:50Basket counts.
06:52Morantz got now.
06:53You want to know why they're winning?
06:55It's because of his play offensively.
07:07Sunzee Obama's checked in for the Grizzlies.
07:10Jerome comes in for Contavious Caldwell-Polk.
07:20So it's the visitors now.
07:22A 12-point game.
07:24Pass to James.
07:27Hachimura kicks to James.
07:29And here is Hachimura.
07:35And here's Herter.
07:36Taking a look at his numbers.
07:38The average is about 7 points a game.
07:42From 13.
07:43And it's Morant missing.
07:46Gone 2 of 4 from beyond the arc to start the game.
07:50Pass to Drummond.
07:53And it's Drummond with the jam.
07:56Once Drummond gets the ball there.
07:58You can kiss it goodbye.
08:02And here are the Grizzlies with it.
08:04They're on a 17-7 run.
08:08Here's Morantz.
08:10He's an up and in off the pretty assist.
08:126 points for him.
08:14I don't know what's happening defensively.
08:16But they're not putting up any resistance.
08:19He's gone 3 for 3 from the floor.
08:22Here's Mitchell.
08:23Score of the basket.
08:24His second of 2 attempts.
08:26Just a late reaction there.
08:28From the defense.
08:29And he is always going to finish that one.
08:35Morant surveying the D.
08:38They get it back.
08:40Takes the 3.
08:42Aldama can't hit.
08:45Just about an even 40% to start.
08:48Pass to Hachimura.
08:50Change kicks to Mitchell.
08:53Here's Herder.
08:54Fires the 3.
08:55Up again.
08:56Here's Drummond.
08:58And with that one, the lead is trimmed to single digits.
09:01Drummond's got 6.
09:03Man, he's having quite the quarter.
09:05Converting at a really high percentage.
09:08Here's...
09:09Look out!
09:10Look out!
09:13Really seizing the momentum of this game.
09:17But doing it with a methodical approach.
09:19Yeah, they haven't appeared in a rush at all.
09:22They are just playing to their strengths and building this lead out well.
09:26Now here is Hachimura.
09:28He had 15 points last out.
09:30And he gets it to go.
09:32Rate of baskets assisted.
09:34It's a stat I really like.
09:35It tells the story of how well you are playing team offense.
09:39One second separate in the shot clock in game.
09:42The 3 from Morant.
09:44Morant with another miss.
09:49James, the pass to Herder.
09:52Yes!
09:53It's James picking up the assist.
09:55And now just a 5 point Memphis lead.
10:01Fires from way outside.
10:03And the last second attempt doesn't fall.
10:06The scoring fast and furious as we end the first quarter.
10:09Grizzlies lead by 5.
10:12Live from the FedEx Forum.
10:13You're watching 2K Sports.
10:26And for those of you just tuning in.
10:28The second quarter of action is where we're at right now.
10:31And let's take a moment guys to get your take on the scoring so far for Memphis.
10:35Showing their energy so far.
10:37Sprinting up and down the floor.
10:39Getting out in transition and taking advantage.
10:41And the other thing.
10:43I love how they're playing up tonight.
10:45Getting into ball handlers and forcing some turnovers.
10:50Gone 3-6 tonight when they've let it fly from downtown.
10:53They've got Charles Bassey.
10:55James is out there with Kevin Herder.
10:58And it's Gillespie in at the 5.
11:00And there it is again.
11:01On a lot of their possessions this first half.
11:04They've established great inside the group.
11:07And slammed up by Clark.
11:09Quick off the floor and powerful.
11:12Clark loves to attack that rim.
11:15Gay's shot is good.
11:17These are exactly the kind of shots they want to generate each and every time down the floor.
11:23We're now joined by our sideline reporter, Allie LaForce.
11:26Allie, it's all yours.
11:28Hey.
11:28Well this September, Grizzlies legend Marc Gasol was enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
11:32A three-time All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year,
11:36Marc was acquired in a trade for his brother, Pau Gasol,
11:39who was likewise an All-Star with the Grizzlies.
11:41Marc, a fixture on and off the court in Memphis.
11:45Guys, back to you.
11:46All right, Allie, thanks a lot.
11:48Herder, no good.
11:50Memphis leading by six.
11:54Pass to Jerome.
11:57To the paint.
11:58Here's Aldama.
12:00Banked in off the glass.
12:02Aldama's got five.
12:04Okay, when you let someone with this height get this close,
12:07it's going to be nearly impossible to stop, especially when he has that big of an advantage in this category.
12:13And defensively, they're on their heels every time the ball comes inside.
12:20Pippen dishes to Clark.
12:23Pass to Jerome.
12:26And Aldama has it in the corner.
12:29Now, here's Will.
12:31No good on the triple.
12:33Sometimes it's more about what the defense is doing on that possession.
12:37They were all over him on the perimeter.
12:42Here's Gillespie.
12:43That's his second shot and his second basket.
12:46He's two for two.
12:47And they're beginning to just flat out fall apart defensively right now, especially on the interior.
12:54And so the timeout here called by Twomas Isolo.
12:57He's going to take this chance to talk to his guys.
13:01Now a look at the stats for John Morant.
13:03And guys, I think the best way to measure his performance these last 10 games is his effective field goal
13:10percentage,
13:10which has improved.
13:12A sign that his game is in much better shape than it was not too long ago.
13:18Now, here's Morant.
13:19Against Cleveland, he was really on his game.
13:22He was inside his own head in that first quarter.
13:25You could see it.
13:25Now he's doing a much better job of letting the game come to it.
13:30Pass to Hachimura.
13:33And the dunk by Hachimura.
13:36Oh, what a finish.
13:38Ruri showing off that athletic ability.
13:41We're just over two and a half minutes into the second quarter.
13:43And then Clark swans it in.
13:46Yeah, he's shown terrific control of the pace and the rhythm of this offense.
13:52He's locked in with his teammates right now, setting guys up in perfect position.
13:57Now, here's Ellis.
13:59Boy, was he something else against the Clippers.
14:02And it's Gillespie missing.
14:04And if you ask me what percentage of the time he's making that shot, my answer would be in the
14:10single digits.
14:11And those are the type of shots that just drive coaches crazy.
14:14Like, I wouldn't be shocked to see him sitting on the bench if he tries that bad boy again.
14:21To the wing on the left.
14:23After Najee.
14:27Prince in the post.
14:29Here's Gillespie.
14:31From outside, off Lamar.
14:32And the great shooters know when they've got enough opening to go for the three.
14:37I didn't think it was a bad choice on that possession.
14:43Count that bucket.
14:44Gillespie has got six.
14:48And Morant's got the ball here for Memphis.
14:51Thirteen points was their biggest lead in the game.
14:58Here's Eldama.
14:59Nine points in the game so far.
15:02Logged up there for Clark.
15:04Six to shoot.
15:05Again Memphis.
15:06And it doesn't seem like the analytics folks are often fans of the mid-range jumper.
15:12But Richard, where do you stand on that?
15:14Well, I think great players have to use the mid-range jumper.
15:17Because most teams are protecting the paint and the three-point line.
15:21So for the best players, the shot creators, the guys that need to score buckets, they've got to have an
15:27in-between game.
15:28And some changes here for the Grizzlies.
15:31Edie comes in for Clark.
15:33And it's Jaron Jackson in for Santi Aldama.
15:39Gone six and nine in the second quarter.
15:41Some good work from the field.
15:43Ellis the pass to Prince.
15:47Ellis kicks to Prince.
15:48His first shot coming late.
15:50Connects.
15:50The jumper drops.
15:52A quality pass setting up a quality shot.
15:55It's just textbook basketball.
16:00Jackson has the open look.
16:02It's good from long range.
16:04Jackson's got his second basket of the night.
16:06That's just unfair.
16:086'11", Jackson just sinking threes.
16:10I guess this is the new NBA.
16:13And Mitchell gets it to go.
16:17Here's Morant.
16:18He's got 13.
16:25Morant pulls his way inside.
16:28He gets a lot of defensive attention.
16:30But Morant, he can expect this type of rough scene any time he takes it inside.
16:36Here's Hachimura.
16:39It's rebounded by Memphis.
16:41Coming into this, having notched a win against Cleveland in their last game.
16:45And the bench turned up in that win.
16:47Whatever they couldn't get from their starters, they got from the reserves.
16:51For a number of reasons, depth seems to become more important every year.
16:56Now Prince, following Jaron Jackson's three-point attempt.
17:02Just five to shoot.
17:04Edie with the steal.
17:05And here we go.
17:06The Grizzlies on a fast break.
17:08And it's good.
17:09Two points.
17:10And now an 11-point Grizzly lead.
17:12Great teamwork punctuated by a strong finish.
17:17Yeah, that's nice execution.
17:18Running with purpose and creating an easy scoring opportunity off the break.
17:24Memphis has gone two of four from three-point range so far in the second quarter.
17:29Here's Morant.
17:30Oh!
17:31Look at that play right there!
17:33Okay, that's us down.
17:34Woo!
17:34Wow!
17:35Rips down the 360 jam!
17:39Now, here's Mitchell.
17:41His last outing, he had 24 points.
17:43And it's Drummond missing.
17:45133 left now here on the second.
17:50Inside.
17:51Edie.
17:52And the dunk by Edie!
17:55Offensively, defensively, they are in total control.
17:58And guys, to go on a big run, get some breathing space, it has to be a great play on
18:03each end.
18:05Here's Mitchell.
18:06Six points for him.
18:07Here's Hachimura.
18:09And the dunk by Hachimura.
18:11And no doubt, they'd love to see him get a lot more of those opportunities.
18:16And that deficit will go away quickly if he does, Greg.
18:19Now, here's Caldwell Pope.
18:21Again, Memphis.
18:22Yeah, they've gone away from the triple as they look to protect this lead.
18:2852 seconds left in the second quarter.
18:31It's Prince on the wing.
18:33Ellis outside.
18:36Back to Prince.
18:40Good, and the assist goes to Ellis.
18:43Ellis has got four assists in the game.
18:45And despite the hot start from beyond, they've gotten away from shooting the triple.
18:51In the center of things, Morant.
18:54That makes it ten of their last twelve coming from inside the paint.
19:00Morant with the steal.
19:04One second separating the shot clock in game.
19:07And he gets the whistle.
19:08Two free throws coming up.
19:10Rui Hachimura picks one up.
19:12Wow, that is a strong move there to go in for the dunk.
19:16The Grizzlies shooting their second and third free throws tonight.
19:19And 75% on the season as a unit from the free throw line.
19:31And he makes the first.
19:38And he makes the first.
19:40That one misses.
19:43He's gone three of seven tonight from three point territory.
19:47Now, let's the pass to Drummond.
19:49And Drummond throws it down.
19:51A power flush with a long hang on the rim at the end of that.
19:55You know, that could be a catalyst for him.
19:57It really could.
19:58The three from Morant.
20:00That shot is off.
20:03He can't hit that time.
20:04And we finish one half of basketball.
20:07Grizzlies out in front.
20:09The lead by 14.
20:10Time now for the halftime break.
20:12With the third quarter soon to follow.
20:14Right here on 2K Sports.
20:36Hello and welcome everybody.
20:37It was a big first half for John Morant.
20:40And we've come to expect this.
20:44Just like the versatility.
20:46See, some guys specialize on one thing.
20:48Not John.
20:49He's fire on the outside.
20:51Making him one of the scariest guys in the league to play against.
20:57And now that we have some time.
20:59Let's see how the all-star voting is shaping up.
21:03Well, it's always an honor to be selected.
21:05Especially if it's your first all-star game.
21:07It's just a sign of respect.
21:09And some newbies trying to make their case.
21:12Couple of great candidates out there trying to close strong.
21:16That'll do it for our show tonight.
21:18Thanks for joining us.
21:20And we'll send you back to Kevin Harlan for more hoops action.
21:37And there wasn't too much drama in the first half.
21:40But maybe things will tighten up here in the second.
21:42Guys, John Morant has been sensational.
21:45In that first half, he was a hot knife.
21:48And the defense was butter.
21:50Sliced right through them.
21:52And when you rip through the D like he did in that first half,
21:55you've got to stay aggressive.
21:57Keep getting to the rim.
22:07Morant and Caldwell Pope are their guards.
22:10Jackson is out there with Edie.
22:12That's the group for Tuomas Isolo as we begin the second half.
22:17Now, here's Drummond.
22:19Near the three-point line, it's Mitchell.
22:22Edie with the rebound.
22:24Edie's got seven rebounds in the game.
22:29Caldwell Pope with a wide-open look.
22:31How good on the three.
22:33Being an efficient 53% from the field.
22:36Prince.
22:37And good that time.
22:40And at six points for Prince.
22:41It's a great move, and he catches the defense completely off guard.
22:47Yeah, taking it right to the rim.
22:48Well, I imagine that might be discussed at halftime.
22:51That's going to be on the field.
22:52Now, here's Caldwell Pope.
22:54Six points for him.
22:56Jackson misses.
22:57Although they're down big right now, Greg still plenty of time left in this one.
23:02At this point, they've got to take it one possession at a time.
23:06Just impressed with the teamwork out there.
23:08They're setting the table for one another.
23:14Now, here's Morant for three.
23:16He hangs in there and cashes in on the second-chance points.
23:20And the Grizzlies lead by 12.
23:22Just in a perfect position to grab that rebound and then get the putback.
23:27Prince with it.
23:28Now guarded by Caldwell Pope.
23:30Mitchell.
23:31This is to Drummond.
23:36Mitchell against Morant.
23:38And Mitchell gets it to go.
23:40Fantastic Paul movement.
23:42They're picking them apart with their passing.
23:45And the Grizzlies leading by 10.
23:48Morant passes to Jackson.
23:54Two minutes into the second half of play now.
23:56And stolen by Drummond.
24:00Over in the corner, Ellis.
24:03Off target from three-point range.
24:05And he didn't punish them for the weak coverage there.
24:08But they can count on him to continue missing.
24:11It's time to send it over now to our reporter, Ali LaForce.
24:15Hey, Kevin.
24:16John Morant looking to lead the way.
24:18He said, I set the tone.
24:19My teammates feed off a bit and I love to compete.
24:21That's how we all grew up playing on the blacktop outside.
24:24Competing at a high level when there was no cameras around.
24:27Back to you.
24:28He's got that alpha mentality.
24:31Ali LaForce with the report.
24:32Hey, Ali, thanks.
24:40Let's check out the Eastern Conference standings now that we're in the new year.
24:45Taking a look here at the visitors.
24:47We're having a solid season.
24:48Fifth in the conference and looking to move up.
24:52A little over two and a half minutes off the clock in this final half of play.
24:56Mitchell finds Ellis.
24:57To the middle.
24:59Here's Drummond.
25:00It's rebounded by Memphis.
25:03Headey's got 11 rebounds in the game.
25:06Jackson from long range.
25:10Gone three of seven on field goal attempts here in the second half.
25:14So, RJ, when you think about Jaron Jackson,
25:16defense is the first thing that comes to mind, isn't it?
25:19Oh, absolutely. Triple J is the force.
25:21He's a perennial candidate for all defensive honors.
25:24And I'm glad I didn't have to shoot on this guy.
25:28On the wing, Jackson.
25:32Here's the three.
25:35It's Drummond with the rebound.
25:37Drummond's got nine rebounds now tonight.
25:40Ellis kicks to Hachimura.
25:44Pass to Mitchell.
25:48Back to Ellis.
25:49Launches a three.
25:51Good.
25:51And the assist goes to Mitchell.
25:54Mitchell's got three assists tonight.
25:56And what kind of defense was that?
25:58You can't give up wide open threes like that.
26:01What are you doing?
26:02Lots of room.
26:04And that one goes long.
26:06They've gotten fewer than half of their three corners to go down tonight.
26:09They're four for nine.
26:11And the dunk by Hachimura.
26:13Beautiful job closing the gap here.
26:16Let's see if they can sustain this run.
26:19The thing they have to watch for is mental fatigue.
26:22They have to stay focused and finish the job.
26:25Now here's Jackson.
26:27Six points for him.
26:29And the dunk to finish it off.
26:31A beauty.
26:32The team first mindset of Jackson.
26:34Willing to get the ball to his open guys.
26:37Gone one or two from beyond the arc since coming out of the break.
26:40Mitchell passes to Hachimura.
26:42Count that one.
26:44Hachimura's got six in the quarter.
26:46And obviously his momentum from the last game has carried over here tonight.
26:50He's just riding the wave of momentum right now.
26:53Getting to his spots and keeping things simple on the offensive side.
26:58Now here's Caldwell Pope.
27:01He exited high post.
27:04Here's Jackson.
27:05And foul on the shot.
27:07So he'll get a chance at the line.
27:10Rui Hachimura picks one up.
27:12There is no secret that Jackson Jr. can score.
27:15The D was a little over aggressive there.
27:18And a moment to look at the scoring approach in terms of where the points are coming from for Memphis.
27:24Oh, they've been punishing the inside defense consistently in this one.
27:27Look, it's been a very productive area on the floor for them.
27:31And you know, another thing that's really been working for them tonight is the mid-range.
27:35That they're having no problem finding shots in that area.
27:39Jerome, he's checked in for Morant.
27:51The first one falls.
27:53We've known about Jaron Jackson Jr.'s defensive acumen.
27:56But GA, much improved as a scorer as well.
27:59He arranged out beyond the arc.
28:02And his handle, I think it's underrated.
28:04One of the top two-way bigs in our league.
28:08Now here's Ellis.
28:09He has six.
28:11Mitchell passes to Drummond.
28:14That one goes.
28:15He's counting.
28:16Drummond's got ten points.
28:18Pretty much all of their buckets coming from inside the paint now.
28:22And Jerome has got the ball here for the Memphis Grizzlies.
28:26At one point they led by 16.
28:29Pass to Jackson.
28:32Over Prince.
28:34And another miss by Memphis.
28:36No other way to put it.
28:37Just a poor shooting performance for him.
28:40But luckily, his teammates have picked up the slack.
28:44And Drummond kicks to Ellis.
28:46Back to Drummond.
28:47And here's Hurdo.
28:48To the inside.
28:50And the shot is good.
28:52The Grizzly lead has been cut down to three on the bucket for Mitchell.
28:55Those defenders just look a little bit gassed.
28:59I mean, they're getting pushed around on that low block.
29:06And he makes it look easy dunking it hard with one hand.
29:10And he can do a lot more damage to the rim than that when he wants to.
29:15Oh, you're right.
29:16And with the lead they're enjoying, I'm surprised he didn't put a little something extra on that one.
29:22And foul on the shot.
29:23He'll shoot two at the free throw line.
29:27Yeah, good job to take it right at the game.
29:29He's getting his first free throw attempt of the night right now.
29:32First free throw is good.
29:34The Grizzly is making a switch here.
29:46And Mitchell drops them both.
29:48Probably as close to a sure thing as you can have at the free throw line.
29:55Outside Pippen.
29:58Back to Jerome.
30:02Here's Aldama.
30:03Got it.
30:04Good job in the low post.
30:06Aldama's got 11.
30:07It looked like he was playing against his little brother out there.
30:10The way he just went right over him with his height.
30:13Here's Mitchell.
30:15Now that one is his seventh make in eight attempts.
30:18A scorching 88%.
30:20They're finding lanes to the hoop now with consistency.
30:24Five buckets in a row from the paint.
30:27Here's Aldama.
30:28He's got 11.
30:29And Aldama slams it in.
30:32The knee just kind of stepping aside and letting him get to the rim.
30:36There's a reason, G.A.
30:38The lead is what it is right now.
30:41Yeah, it's going to take better rim protection than that
30:43if they're going to climb out of this hole.
30:45And so far in the second half, this has been a different kind of game
30:49than what we saw earlier on.
30:51And they look like a completely different team.
30:53I wonder what coach said to them at halftime to help spark this momentum change.
30:59Pass to Mitchell.
31:00Here's Prince.
31:01Back to Mitchell.
31:02He's looking for Drummond and finds him.
31:05Now Herter.
31:08Shoots over Aldama.
31:09And it's wide right.
31:11Hits off the rim.
31:13Pippen with the wide open look.
31:16Clark kicks to Pippen.
31:18And Aldama has it in the corner.
31:21Tips it.
31:22And Clark is right there.
31:24Six points for him.
31:26In all of his athleticism on display there.
31:30Clark's work ethic makes him lethal on that offensive backboard.
31:35Power flush with a long hang on the rim at the end of that.
31:39That could be a catalyst for him.
31:41It really could.
31:42It's been an exciting game.
31:43Plenty of offense as we head to the fourth quarter.
31:45Grizzlies lead by five.
31:47Live from the FedEx Forum.
31:49You're watching 2K Sports.
32:02Three tenths quarters behind us.
32:04One more to go.
32:05Thanks for being with us as we begin the fourth.
32:11Memphis leading by five.
32:13They've got Kevin Herter.
32:15James is out there with Rui Hatchimura.
32:17And it's Cullesby in at the point.
32:20It's been all about Ja tonight.
32:22Can score in so many different ways.
32:26James right side.
32:28From deep.
32:30And that one's good.
32:32Battle.
32:32Defensively you can't back off him that much.
32:35You don't want to give up easy threes at this stage of the game.
32:39There's Jerome.
32:44Up top Morant.
32:45And Morant throws it down.
32:48That's the endless energy of Ja Morant.
32:52There's no denying that man.
32:57There's Cullesby.
32:59Guarded by Jerome.
33:01Cullesby.
33:01That's good.
33:02And you don't want to allow too many of those short ones.
33:07With the game right now in the balance.
33:09Morant.
33:10A special move before the shot.
33:13Morant's got 25 points.
33:16Closer in.
33:17Look, let me just tell you.
33:17Morant, he's going to find a way to score.
33:19He just has such a fantastic touch around the rim.
33:23That bucket in and no time at all.
33:25They're getting a lot of their points outside the paint.
33:29Three of their last five baskets are from three-point range.
33:33Clark outside.
33:34Wells in the corner.
33:37Tried to answer back.
33:39But that three is off the mark.
33:41Gotten off 12 shots and beyond the arc tonight hitting seven of them.
33:44And he takes the feed in stride and slams it home.
33:48Those plays can make a difference in a game like this.
33:52Well, you know it's going to fire up, Greg.
33:54Everybody on that bench.
33:56And you can feel the jolt of energy that he sent through his team.
34:00That is a huge boost in a tight game like this.
34:03Here's Herter.
34:05Beautiful dish.
34:06And the layup goes down.
34:07You've got to give them a lot of credit for just battling back into this game.
34:12And it's so much easier said than done.
34:15But now it's all about keeping that momentum going for them.
34:19Timeout called by Coach Isolo.
34:21He's very aware of the timing here and the significance of getting things squared away with his team.
34:31Zach Eady, he's jacked in for the Grizzlies.
34:33And now, Hallie LaForce has something for us from the sideline.
34:37Thanks, guys.
34:38Memphis' head coach had some words for his team over the break.
34:41And he was adamant that they need to tighten up their D.
34:44That lack of communication at that end has led to breakdowns.
34:47Wide open shooters and easy buckets.
34:49He sounded pretty frustrated, guys.
34:52We appreciate it, Hallie.
34:56The three from Morant.
34:58It's rebounded by Herter.
35:00And the defense dodged one right there.
35:03Not the guy you want to leave open.
35:08On the wing, James.
35:10Herter by Morant.
35:12Here's Gillespie.
35:14Grizzly is with the rebound.
35:16Seems like he changed his mind halfway through the layup.
35:20Tried to go to something else.
35:22And he tried to out-choke it.
35:26Hachimura comes with the double team.
35:30Wide open.
35:32Aldama can't hit.
35:34Oh, that's a shot he's gotta hit.
35:36Brick.
35:39Hachimura, the pass to Drummond.
35:41From G, Herter carries it from three-point range.
35:45Herter's got eight points here in this quarter.
35:47Well, and this has been their strategy throughout the fourth period.
35:51We'll see how it pans out.
35:53I think when you've got it going from three-point range, you've gotta keep it going.
35:57It's a good way to kind of pile up the points quickly.
36:01Here's Aldama.
36:03To the middle.
36:04Clark outside.
36:06Just four to shoot.
36:07Memphis needs to get off a shot here.
36:09And that one drops.
36:11And you want him taking big shots for you in big moments.
36:15That one was as easy as it gets.
36:18Yeah, it's clear why they go to him in these moments.
36:20They know he's going to deliver for him.
36:25Herter passes to Drummond.
36:26I think the boundary Drummond is a big man's big man.
36:30He's a steadfast presence in the paint who really focuses on owning the backboard and attacking the rim.
36:38He misses the free throw.
36:39And the Grizzlies making a change here.
36:49And he sinks the second.
36:54The Grizzlies trail by three.
36:58Morant kicks to Colwell Pope.
37:00Let's go, Chris!
37:02Let's go, Chris!
37:03Let's go, Chris!
37:03Jackson down low.
37:05He's covered by Hector Morant.
37:06And Jackson throws it down.
37:09You're taking a little bit of a risk when you get that fancy.
37:12But Jackson, he's got the bounce to pull it off.
37:15That's a great look at that move from the Connected Cam sponsored by AT&T.
37:20Pass to Hachimura.
37:22Now here's Drummond.
37:23Now here's James.
37:24He's guarded by Colwell Pope.
37:27Here's Gillespie.
37:29Down low.
37:30Hachimura.
37:31And good as it just snugs right down through the net.
37:35One thing you can say about Hachimura.
37:37He is not afraid of the challenge.
37:41And that one's good.
37:42Morant.
37:43Morant's got eight here in the quarter.
37:47He's gotten several other eight shots to fall here in the fourth.
37:50A tremendous offensive output.
37:53Off the glass!
37:55And answering the call.
37:57Andre Drummond giving this team some huge buckets down the stretch.
38:05Morant outside.
38:07Wow.
38:07Wow.
38:08He got whacked on that one.
38:10Shouldn't be much debate there.
38:11For his team.
38:14At the line for his rhythm.
38:16Shot.
38:17Morant!
38:18Two shots.
38:19That's good from Morant.
38:21And we talk a lot about Morant's athleticism and skill.
38:23But what stands out for me is his effort and intensity that he plays with.
38:34No free throws.
38:36Good from Morant.
38:37No.
38:37Oh.
38:39Oh.
38:43Oh.
38:43Oh.
38:45Oh.
38:46Oh.
38:46Oh.
38:51Oh.
38:52Oh.
39:03They lead by one.
39:09Drummond with it.
39:11Jackson with the rebound.
39:14Something that's kept this game close is the fact that the rebound stats for both teams are almost identical.
39:20You love how each side has risen to the challenge throughout this one.
39:25Man, this has been a fun run, but look, who doesn't love a high-scoring game?
39:36Now here's Ellis.
39:37Mitchell fires!
39:39It's good!
39:40And perimeter scoring, I have to imagine it was a topic of discussion at halftime.
39:47Can you see this so much more nowadays than in view?
39:50To infer a larger emphasis on jacking up threes.
39:54Get this man the ball, and he will make something happen.
39:57Morant rises to the occasion.
40:00Man.
40:04Now Mitchell.
40:09Knocked down the three.
40:11Uh-oh, well, we all know what can happen when this fella gets hot,
40:14and this guy, well, let's just say he's hot.
40:17Let's go, man!
40:19Let's go, man!
40:20Morant.
40:21Lats, throws a three.
40:23As he rips it down.
40:27Diversified scoring in this one for him.
40:29I love when everyone can get involved.
40:32A full team effort.
40:34Well, he's been doing it all night.
40:36Why not go back to him?
40:38Yeah, just keep feeding him.
40:40That guy is a man on a mission.
40:43And the defense, well, they don't have much to answer.
40:46Absolutely no problem, says Jaron Jackson Jr.
40:49He was ready to shoulder the low game.
40:52Plenty of drama in this one so far.
40:54Yeah, don't be surprised if it isn't decided until the final buzzer.
40:58Jack's up a three.
41:00Morant there for the rebound.
41:02And Morant's got the ball here for the Grizzlies.
41:06Here's the three.
41:08Down it goes for three.
41:10Some players shrink when the pressure's off, but he lives for these moments.
41:16Plot is on the line here.
41:17Crowd is so focused.
41:20What a response!
41:22Hitting a three of their own.
41:23Oh, you just love seeing a player with absolutely no fear.
41:29He knew what they needed here and was determined to deliver.
41:33Timeout called by Coach Isolo.
41:35This is a huge moment, folks, in this game.
41:38And he wants to be prepared.
41:41Two, two, one!
42:00Beyond the arc.
42:02That one is off.
42:03And even without that three-ball dropping for him,
42:06the defense should have done more on that last play.
42:10Mitchell outside.
42:14Now Hachimura.
42:17Now Mitchell.
42:18Five on the clock.
42:23Tosses it up.
42:24Edie rips down the rebounder.
42:26Well, they'll be happy with that look, even though it didn't fall.
42:31Tough to watch those miss.
42:32I'm sure they'll convert the next chance.
42:35Timeout called by Coach Isolo.
42:37And he knows there's no room for mistakes.
42:40He wants everyone on the same page.
42:43Any ideas on strategy?
42:45Being discussed right now in that hole.
42:47And if you can get a three, shoot it.
42:50Otherwise, get the quick two and a five.
42:53Yeah, time is the enemy at this point.
42:55So I think I'd go for the tie and avoid playing the foul game.
42:59And it's all about the three right here.
43:02We'll see what they throw up.
43:04Three-pointer is a must-do.
43:06It works well there.
43:07Not much resistance from the deep.
43:09Yeah, that just comes down to a lack of effort.
43:12The defender has to do a better job fighting through the screen.
43:38Here's Mitchell.
43:43And guys, he's not an easy man to stop when he's got the rim in his sight.
43:49Never has been, never will be.
43:50He is a determined finisher.
43:52I mean, he's just been brilliant today, guys.
43:55And it was the same exact story last time out.
43:58And that's going to do it for regulation.
44:00So we are headed to overtime.
44:03We've got more hoops coming your way in just a moment.
44:19These teams have battled tooth and nail for four quarters.
44:22And now we head to overtime.
44:24Should be a blast.
44:28There you go.
44:34Hachimura out there with Andre Drummond.
44:36Then it's Mitchell.
44:38Then it's Keon Ellis.
44:39And it's Prince in at the three-side.
44:43Here's Jackson.
44:45Shot from 12.
44:46The shot is good.
44:48And when he rises up, he knows he's probably going to get a clean look.
44:52It's a matter of executing.
44:54Yeah, the defender just lacks the reach to be able to contest him properly.
44:58Oh, an aggressive move and fantastic finish.
45:02Trying to send a message with that slam, I think.
45:08Morant.
45:09And he banks the layup in.
45:11He's been dominant all game long.
45:13Nobody on the floor can stop him.
45:15And look, let's just say he knows it.
45:19Now Mitchell.
45:21Hachimura fires.
45:23The three is off.
45:24And close to making the defense pay for the lax coverage that time.
45:29Morant.
45:30From 13 feet.
45:31It's in.
45:32The defense has just been unable to slow him down.
45:36Wow.
45:37What a game.
45:41Ellis down low.
45:42He's guarded by Colwell Pope.
45:45With the shot.
45:46And he trains the game.
45:48And they're passing the ball very crisply here.
45:53The Grizzlies with the lead.
45:55Let's go, Rays!
45:57Let's go, Rays!
45:59A little over a minute and a half gone now here in overtime.
46:02Let's go, Rays!
46:03Morant.
46:04Let's go, Rays!
46:05Yeah!
46:06Found it!
46:07And man, is he in a zone right now.
46:09Seems like he can't miss.
46:12Here's Mitchell.
46:14Mitchell.
46:22Here's Hachimura.
46:26Unloads.
46:28Another shot.
46:30And he figures it out with the lay-in.
46:32Pursues the offensive glass with purpose.
46:36Drummond knows who he is.
46:37And boy, does he attack it.
46:41Morant fires.
46:43Can't get it.
46:43Wow, that's rock-solid defense on a really good score.
46:47Kyle Mitchell.
46:55That one goes.
46:57And pound it.
46:58A tall and powerful big.
47:00Drummond has a natural ability to finish inside.
47:04Let's go, Rays!
47:06Let's go, Rays!
47:07Mitchell against Morant.
47:09Let's go, Rays!
47:10The shot is good!
47:12Good, huge shot there, and the crowd knows it.
47:16Yeah, you've got to love hearing a crowd get this fired up.
47:20And down goes the three!
47:23Oh, you expect Rui to finish that play.
47:26But when a guy is this open, he makes a quality match.
47:30From 13, Ajimura rips it down.
47:35He's gotten things started superbly in overtime.
47:38Hitting five of the first seven shots.
47:41Mitchell outside.
47:45Tring from outside.
47:47He's found his rhythm from deep, and you can see what happened.
47:52And of course, it helps space the floor, which gives this offense more room to operate.
47:57Timeout called by Coach Isolo.
47:59Pivotal moment in this game.
48:00He's not taken any chances.
48:03He'll call time.
48:22Now, Morant launches it.
48:27No good there.
48:28Ah, that's kind of a Hail Mary there.
48:31That's the mark of desperation.
48:42And that's an intentional follow.
48:54And the first of two, no good.
48:56Heartbreaking.
49:03And the second of two is good.
49:05That puts them up by five.
49:07And I'm sure he would like to have had all of those, but he's still able to pad the lead.
49:13Jackson!
49:14Oh, good.
49:15Unable to win this run.
49:17Shocking that he just bricked that one.
49:19The defense got real lucky there, too.
49:26Pivotal on the first, and that increases their lead to six.
49:34Second one is good.
49:36Getting both at the line, and it's a seven-point game.
49:39It's showing off a really smooth stroke there, and that will add to their lead.
50:12Forget the long-range shots.
50:14So they choose to intentionally foul.
50:15It continues.
50:17It continues.
50:19It continues.
50:35And the second free throw, no good.
50:38A tough break there.
50:39Timeout call of the Grizzlies.
50:4220 seconds left to play in OT, and this battle continuing.
50:46What do you think, coach?
50:47His focus is going to be here.
50:48There's still a sliver of hope.
50:51We've seen teams come back from this before.
50:53Smart to take the timeout and get everybody focused on exactly what needs to be done.
51:1020 seconds left in the first overtime.
51:13He drills the three.
51:15Love the play there on the inbound.
51:17The defense lost contact with him, and he knocks down the trip.
51:20And they stop the clock as soon as they can with the intentional foul.
51:25Had to foul, and on that occasion, to stop the clock.
51:28That's the enemy in this situation.
51:30He doesn't hit the first, and that was the one they really wanted.
51:34He's got one more, though.
51:37That's good.
51:38Going one and two from the line, and that gives them a four-point cushion.
51:42And Morant's got the ball here for the Memphis Grizzlies.
51:45Jackson.
51:46The three doesn't go.
51:49They foul intentionally.
51:50That's what they have to do at this point.
51:53Good personal foul.
51:55The team is in the building.
52:03First free throw is good, and that puts them up by five.
52:11And a tough break is his second attempt at the line.
52:14No good.
52:17Launches from deep.
52:19And so the road team gets the W in this one.
52:22They had to scrape and claw to push it to overtime,
52:25but they really came out in the extra period.
52:27What a ride.
52:28I mean, I thought it might end in regulation, but you know what?
52:31They came big and did exactly what was necessary once we got into OT.
52:37Thank you for joining us.
52:38That'll do it for now.
52:40Along with Greg Anthony, Richard Jefferson, and Allie LaForce,
52:44this is Kevin Harlan.
52:45Thank you so much for watching tonight's presentation.
52:48And as we leave, we present our player of the game.
53:07You
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