Grizzlies, without Morant, beat Jazz, extend win streak to 6 – Cache Valley Daily
Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane shoots against Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) in the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill) MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Desmond Bane had 24 points and nine assists, Tyus Jones added 21 points and the Memphis Grizzlies, playing without leading scorer Ja Morant, defeated the Utah Jazz 123-118 on Sunday. Jaren Jackson Jr. finished with 19 points, eight rebounds and five blocks as Morant was a late scratch with right thigh soreness. That led to Jones running the first unit for Memphis. Jones also had six assists as Memphis won its sixth straight. “It’s just next man up. Be ready when your name is called,” Jones said of filling in for Morant. “Being ready for your opportunity. No excuses. Just play ball.” Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 21 points, while Kelly Olynyk added 19 points. Each also had eight rebounds. Jordan Clarkson had 17 points before he was ejected late in the third quarter, and Malik Beasley added 15 points. Rookie Walker Kessler finished with 10 points, 11 rebounds and six blocks. In addition to Morant, Memphis was without center Steven Adams, sidelined