Jackson, Bane lead Grizzlies over Jazz, 117-111

Updated Feb. 15, 2023 10:42 p.m. ET
Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Jaren Jackson had 26 points, nine rebounds and four blocks and the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Utah Jazz 117-111 on Wednesday night in the last game for both teams before the All-Star break.

Desmond Bane scored 24 points and Ja Morant had 20 points — on 8-of-26 shooting — and nine assists. Jackson also had five steals.

Kelly Olynyk led the Jazz with 28 points and 14 rebounds, and Jordan Clarkson had 20 points, nine rebounds and six assists.

Utah, which trailed by 24 in the first half, cut it to 111-110 when Ochai Agbaji scored on a dunk with 1:28 left. But Morant scored the next three points for Memphis and the Grizzlies held on for their second straight victory.

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Utah scoring leader Lauri Markkanen was out with right knee soreness. Then, four minutes into the game, guard Collin Sexton went out with a left hamstring injury and did not return.

Memphis benefitted from poor ball protection by the Jazz in the first half. Fifteen first-half turnovers by Utah resulted in 26 Grizzlies points. Jackson already had 16 points, cashing in on four 3-pointers, while recording three blocks and four steals in the first half.

Utah outscored Memphis 33-25 in third quarter, cutting the lead to 88-80 entering the fourth.

TIP-INS

Jazz: F Juan Toscano-Anderson made his debut with the Jazz after he was traded from the Lakers at the deadline. He finished with seven points. ... Olynyk was 4 of 4 from 3-point range in the Jazz win over Indiana missed all three 3-pointers in the first half. ... In addition to Markkanen, reserve F Rudy Gay was out with non-COVID illness.

Grizzlies: Brandon Clarke started his seventh game of the season at center. ... Are 17-16 against the Western Conference. ... The win marks only the third time in franchise history that they have reached 35 wins before the All-Star break.

UP NEXT

Jazz: Host Oklahoma City on Feb. 23.

Grizzlies: At Philadelphia on Feb. 23.

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