Wizards earn 4th straight victory, 102-92 over Grizzlies
Nov 13, 2022, 3:38 AM | Updated: 6:39 pm
Washington Wizards center Kristaps Porzingis (6) reacts after scoring during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jess Rapfogel)
(AP Photo/Jess Rapfogel)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Kristaps Porzingis scored 25 points and Deni Avdija added 21 to lead the Washington Wizards to their fourth straight victory, 102-92 over the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday night.
The Wizards swept a weekend back-to-back against Utah and Memphis, two of the Western Conference’s top teams in the early going this season. Washington did that without Bradley Beal, who is still getting back into playing shape after going through health and safety protocols.
Memphis was missing key players as well, with Ja Morant out because of left ankle soreness and Desmond Bane unavailable because of right toe soreness.
“That was a point of emphasis for us, that even though they have a couple guys out, this is one of those games you have to be careful,” Wizards coach Wes Unseld Jr. said. “They’re going to play free and easy, they’re going to play physical. They’re going to play hard — guys who get more opportunities.”
Dillon Brooks scored 19 points for the Grizzlies. Steven Adams contributed 12 points and 10 rebounds.
“I’m proud of the way the guys fought,” Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said. “Wizards always had an answer for everything we had tonight.”
Kyle Kuzma had nine points and 11 rebounds for Washington, which went on an 11-2 run near the end of the third quarter to extend what had been a one-point lead. The Wizards led 85-78 in the fourth when Will Barton dunked to push the advantage to nine. That was the start of an 11-4 spurt.
The Wizards and Grizzlies split two games a week apart. Memphis won 103-97 at home the previous Sunday with Bane and Morant combining for 51 points. That was Washington’s last game before the beginning of this winning streak.
FROM DEEP
Washington went 19 of 40 from 3-point range, with Porzingis making a team-high six. Jordan Goodwin went 3 of 4 from beyond the arc and finished with 10 points.
Memphis was just 9 of 28 from long range.
Porzingis made five of his 3s during a 19-point first half.
“I think he likes the way we play. It kind of fits his style of game,” Unseld said. “When we space the floor correctly, and when we do move the ball, who wouldn’t want to play that way?”
BIG NIGHT
Avdija equaled his career high in scoring.
“Just confidence,” teammate Monte Morris said. “When you’ve got confidence, and you’ve got, already, hoop game on you, it’s just going to take your talent and your level to another level, and I think these last few games, he’s stepping up now in shots. He’s not second guessing it. He’s shooting his shot, and he’s also defending.”
TIP-INS
Grizzlies: Memphis was also without Jaren Jackson Jr. (right foot), Ziaire Williams (right knee) and Danny Green (left knee). … Tyus Jones scored 17 points and Santi Aldama added 15.
Wizards: Delon Wright (right hamstring) and Taj Gibson (cervical soreness) were not available. … Corey Kispert scored 12 points and Monte Morris had 10.
UP NEXT
Grizzlies: At New Orleans on Tuesday night.
Wizards: Host Oklahoma City on Wednesday night.
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