Best – Jonas Valanciunas C Grizzlies – 26PTS 11-17FG 2-3 3PT 2-2FT 19REB 12AST 1BLK 3TO 33MIN
The Memphis Grizzlies were in must-win mode against the Milwaukee Bucks for a chance to advance to the play-in. A lot of the Grizzlies’ players saved their best game for Thursday. Jonas Valanciuna had a triple-double, Ja Morant chipped in with a triple-double, and Dillion Brooks became the scoring option they needed to make up for the loss of Jarren Jackson Jr.
Valanciunas led the way on Thursday with his monster triple-double and almost had a 20-20 game. Thursday’s game was only the second win for the Grizzlies since being in the bubble. Memphis, they were able to tie the Phoenix Suns for 9th place. Luckily, Memphis held a 3-1 record against the Suns which gave them the edge to move on.
The Grizzlies now have a chance to win the 8th seed and play the Lakers in the first round. With Valanciunas on the court, I give the Grizzlies a chance. The Trailblazers have proven they are incapable of playing defense, and with the firepower the Grizzlies displayed on Thursday, they should be looking good for that 8th seed.
Other Notables: Damian Lilliard G Blazers – 42PTS 13-22FG 8-14 3PT 8-9FT 3REB 12AST 2STL 1TO; Devin Booker G Suns – 27PTS 11-20FG 0-5 3PT 5-5FT 7REB 5AST.
Worst – Zach Collins F Portland TrailBlazers – 2PTS 1-7FG 0-2 3PT 6REB 17MIN
The Trailblazers had to win their last game in the bubble to advance to the play-in game; otherwise, all the work they did to this point would have been for naught. Most players came out with their best game, but Zach Collins was doing his best to get the Trailblazers sent home. Collins has not played like himself since his pre-bubble injury. Regardless, the Trailblazers won 134-133.
If the Blazers want to be more than one and done, they will need Collins to step up. The play-in game is going to be against the Grizzlies, and their frontline is looking like it could match up quite well. The Blazers are deep enough in the frontcourt that they could just take time away from Collins if he continues to play this bad. Collins could be the X-factor for the Blazers if he wants to be or could be why the Blazers’ run gets cut short.
Extra Trash: Carmelo Anthony F Blazers – 9PTS 4-12FG 1-4 3PT 7REB 1AST 1STL 2TO 37MIN; Eric Bledsoe – 3PTS 1-8FG 0-2 3PT 1-2FT 2REB 5AST 2STL 1TO 20MIN.