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Irving’s 43 Points Not Enough to Beat Grizzles

Author Cam Silver
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 23: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets goes to the basket against Brandon Clarke #15 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half at FedExForum on March 23, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

Kyrie Irving’s 43 points was not enough for the Nets as the Grizzles win 132-120. Desmond Bane helped lead the way for the Grizzles scoring 23 points.

Beside Irving scoring 43 points, Kevin Durant had himself a great game too. He scored 35 points, 11 rebounds and had eight assists. Due to the vaccine mandate in New York City this was Irving’s first time on the court since his 60 point game against the Orlando Magic.

Good news for Irving New York City Mayor Eric Adams is going to lift the mandate for athletes and performers. All of those that are unvaccinated from COVID-19 will be able to play.

The Grizzles came in this game shorthanded, they did not have their lead star Ja Morant who was out with an injury. The rest of the team picked up the slack. De’Anthony Melton matched Bane’s 23 points scored. Their wing player Dillion Brooks put up 21 points of his own. The Grizzles had seven players score in double digits.

The Grizzles are second in the Western Conference and the Nets still maintain a one-game lead over Charlotte for the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference.

Early on in the game Memphis got things rolling and had a 76-62 lead by halftime. In the third the Nets made adjustments and found their groove. Relying on Irving and Durant for the comeback the Nets scored 42 points in the third quarter. They made 16 of 22 of their shots and held a 104-103 lead heading into the fourth.

The Grizzles shifted the momentum back in their favor by getting their defense in order. The Nets only scored 16 points in the fourth while the Grizzles scored 29.

“The fourth quarter rolled around, and we adjusted our coverage,” Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said. “Our defensive activity really set the tone going from a 42 point (third quarter from Brooklyn) to a 16-point quarter. It really sparked our offense.”

The Grizzles forced Brooklyn to commit 14 turnovers and had 16 offensive rebounds that led to 33 second chance points.

The Nets will travel to face Miami Saturday before returning home to face Charlotte Sunday.

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Author Cam Silver
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