by Murat Karul
In a thrilling pre-All-Star break matchup, Ziaire Williams and GG Jackson showcased their skills by scoring 27 points each, leading the Memphis Grizzlies to a narrow 113-110 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night. The win was particularly impressive as it came against the Eastern Conference’s third-seeded team.
Ziaire Williams, in a career-high performance, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s effort, highlighting their resilience and teamwork. Vince Williams contributed significantly with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists for Memphis.
Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s impressive 35-point, 12-assist double-double for the Bucks, Memphis managed to secure the win. Bobby Portis and Brook Lopez also made notable contributions, but Coach Doc Rivers suggested that some players may have been distracted, looking ahead to the All-Star break.
The Grizzlies held a nine-point lead with less than a minute remaining, but consecutive 3-pointers from Malik Beasley brought the Bucks within striking distance. Nevertheless, Memphis held on to secure their second consecutive victory.
Lillard’s 3-pointer at the buzzer fell short as Memphis successfully defended their lead. Coach Rivers attributed the final play’s challenges to miscommunication between Lillard and Lopez.
Despite being deadlocked at halftime, Memphis surged ahead in the third quarter, maintaining their lead until the final moments. The Grizzlies shot an impressive 76% in the third quarter, establishing a 10-point lead, the largest for either team in the game.
Milwaukee struggled early in the game, and Rivers expressed concerns about his team’s mental focus heading into the break. The Grizzlies, already dealing with a depleted frontline, announced post-game that Scotty Pippen Jr. would be sidelined for at least three weeks due to a bulging disk in his lower back.
The Bucks will face the Minnesota Timberwolves on February 23, while the Grizzlies will host the Los Angeles Clippers on the same day.
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