Washington rebounded from a tough loss to the Hornets on Friday night with a 135-128 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Bradley Beal had another 40 point outing, this time on an extremely efficient 12-of-17 from the floor. He also connected on a career-high nine three pointers(9-of-12). As Scott Brooks lobbied for his star guard to make an All-NBA team, the Wizards were happy to move their record to 3-1 on this crucial home stand. Washington trails eighth place Miami by three games.
Washington had six players score in double figures. Jabari Parker had 20 points and 11 rebounds off the bench. Bobby Portis had a bounce back game with 18 points, while Tomas Satoransky and Jeff Green scored 15 a piece.
Mike Conley led the Grizzlies with 28 points and 12 assists, Jonas Valanciunas also had 22 points. Memphis had five players score in double figures, two of which came off of the bench. Avery Bradley chipped in with 21 points as well.
The first half was played at a break neck pace, neither team could really sustain separation created. Memphis built an 11 point lead at one point, but there were 11 lead changes and seven ties. A Mike Conely floater created the two point lead for the Grizzlies as the buzzer sounded to end the first half.
The Wizards went on a quick 7-0 run after the game was tied at 114 with 5:09 left in the game. As had been the case all game, the Grizzlies would respond with Conley being the catalyst.
Valanciunas scored on a dunk with 1:41 left to cut the deficit to five, a Washington turnover resulted in free throws for Conley and just like that it was a one possession game. Memphis had started to trap Beal on the high screens Bryant was setting. Beal attempted to move the ball out of the trap, but it was deflected. Bryant game down with the loose ball and swung the ball to the corner where Jeff Green was waiting. Green's triple gave the Wizards some breathing room, however it was brief.
Conley once again responded, hitting a step back jumper on the left wing. Beal would answer on a sloppy possession, hitting a layup as the shot clock expired. Valanciunas scored once again to cut it to three. Jabari Parker made a heads up play on the inbounds following the Valanciunas dunk. The Grizzlies were pressing Beal and Satoransky, so Parker released down court and was fouled. It was ruled a clear path, meaning Jabari would get two free throws and Washington would retain possession.
Every win counts for Washington, regardless if it's against an Eastern or Western Conference foe. The Utah Jazz are bringing their three game win streak into Capital One Arena on Monday. The Wizards will definitely have their work cut out for them.
