Memphis built a 15-point first-quarter cushion and carried it to a 129-110 win over Brooklyn on Saturday.
Memphis seized control with a 38-23 first quarter and never let Brooklyn get closer than the 19-point final margin. Cedric Coward led the Grizzlies with 23 points on 7-of-13 shooting, adding 12 rebounds, four assists, two steals, two blocks and two turnovers. Taylor Hendricks scored 22 on 9-of-13 shooting with five rebounds, four assists and two turnovers, while Javon Small added 19 points on 5-of-11 shooting, five assists, one steal and one turnover. Cam Spencer supplied 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting, eight assists, two steals and three turnovers; Cameron Boozer chipped in 15 points, eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Julius Randle paced Brooklyn with 22 points on 8-of-16 shooting, five assists and three steals, while Day’Ron Sharpe had 16 points on 7-of-14 shooting, 11 rebounds and five assists. Memphis outscored the Nets in each of the first three quarters, turning its early advantage into a 19-point win on Saturday.
Key Performers
Cedric Coward (Memphis): 23 PTS, 12 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL, 2 BLK; 7-13 FG Taylor Hendricks (Memphis): 22 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST; 9-13 FG Julius Randle (Brooklyn): 22 PTS, 4 REB, 5 AST, 3 STL; 8-16 FG
Standings Impact
Memphis moved to 9-4 and ranks No. 9 in the power index. Brooklyn is 3-9 and ranks No. 24.
DYMA Insight
Memphis’ 38-point first quarter created the separation, and the Grizzlies kept adding to it through three quarters. Five Memphis players scored at least 15 points, led by Coward’s 23-point, 12-rebound performance.