In 26 minutes on the field, the leader, placed in the major five, scored 14 points. A fairly solid game (5/12 on shots, 5 rebounds) but without much shine or frills. Irving had the good taste to take his first shots and he managed to integrate into the collective without forcing too much. In any case, it is not on him that the Nets fans were counting on to win.
“It was great to have him for a few minutes and for us to win while he was there.however, said Nets coach Jacque Vaughn. Now what matters is the basket”.
Simmons in shape
The man of the match, the one who should have caught all the spotlight, is Ben Simmons. The Australian compiled 22 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists for his best game since his return and imposed the rhythm of the Nets, led by 5 points at halftime (57-62), preventing the Grizzlies from defending well. Kevin Durant also delivered a high-level performance, with 26 points, including 20 in the second period, for a 17th game in a row with more than 25 points.
Yuta Watanabe (16 points), Markieff Morris (8 points), Royce O’Neale (12 points) or Joe Harris (13 points) also contributed to the success of the locals, who recorded an impressive 62.2% shooting success and 33 assists. Opposite, Memphis, deprived of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane or Jaren Jackson Jr, could not hope for much.
