Bane leads Grizzlies past Nets as Irving scores 43 points

Updated Mar. 23, 2022 10:39 p.m. ET

Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Desmond Bane scored 23 points, including nine straight as Memphis rebuilt its lead in the fourth quarter, and the Grizzlies beat Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets 132-120 on Wednesday night.

Irving scored 43 points and Kevin Durant had 35 points and 11 rebounds. Still banned from playing home games because of a New York City vaccine mandate, Irving was on the court for the first time since scoring 60 points at Orlando eight days earlier.

But that arrangement for Irving, who is unvaccinated against COVID-19, is coming to an end. New York City Mayor Eric Adams

Memphis was the short-handed home team this time with leading scorer Ja Morant sidelined because of right knee soreness. But they got enough offense anyway thanks to reserve De'Anthony Melton, who matched Bane's 23 points, and Dillon Brooks, who finished with 21. The Grizzlies have won six of seven and are second in the Western Conference.

Memphis squandered a double-digit lead in the second half but pulled away in the fourth quarter, outscoring Brooklyn 29-16.

The Grizzlies lead 76-62 at halftime and by 15 points early in the third quarter, but Brooklyn relied on Durant and Irving to chip away. Brooklyn made 16 of 22 shots in the period and led 104-103 entering the fourth.

TIP-INS

Nets: Have lost five straight in the series. The Grizzlies are the only team the Nets haven't beaten this season.

Grizzlies: Are 15-2 without Morant. As for Morant’s status, Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said: “He’s dealing with some soreness that crept up in the last couple of days, just offloading that.” ... The win was Memphis’ 50th of the season, the fourth time Memphis has won that many and the first since 2014-15. ... Bane made six 3-pointers, moving him past Mike Miller for the most 3s by a Grizzlies player in a season.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Irving turned 30 on Wednesday, but it was his coach who got a gift when news emerged that the star could soon play home games.

“I would welcome that,” coach Steve Nash said to laughter.

UP NEXT

Nets: At Miami on Saturday.

Grizzlies: Host Indiana on Thursday.

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