Cedric Coward's clutch 3-pointers ignited a massive late run, securing a thrilling comeback victory for the Grizzlies over the Nets.
The Memphis Grizzlies were again forced into the margins Sunday afternoon, but this time they showed growth where it mattered most.
After watching a comfortable lead disappear, Memphis closed the game with discipline and poise, scoring the final 13 points to pull out a 103-98 win over the Brooklyn Nets at FedExForum.
Cedric Coward hit two late 3-pointers and finished with 21 points, delivering the decisive shots after the Grizzlies fell behind 98-90 with three minutes remaining. His second 3 gave Memphis a 101-98 lead with just under a minute to play, punctuating a closing stretch that stood in contrast to recent late-game struggles.
Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo said the team’s ability to steady itself late reflected lessons absorbed from a collapse two nights earlier against Oklahoma City.
“I thought our guys did a great job with their composure,” Iisalo said. “We were eight points down when Cam hit that three, then Cedric hits the three, and after that they didn’t score.”
Iisalo emphasized that resisting the urge to overextend was central to the turnaround.
“One of the hardest things in that situation is you don’t want to do too little, but it’s just as harmful to try to do too much,” he said. “Everybody has a role on each possession. … I thought we did a much better job sticking to the basic ideas and trusting that that’s enough to win.”
Memphis had put itself in another precarious position despite controlling the game early. The Grizzlies led by as many as 16 in the first half and carried a 61-50 advantage into the break, but Brooklyn opened the second half with a 17-6 run to pull even at 67.
Jock Landale finished with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Santi Aldama added 15 points and eight rebounds. Cam Spencer recorded 12 points and 12 assists, continuing a stretch in which opposing defenses have increasingly focused on limiting his scoring.
“Cam is now a featured player on other teams’ scout reports,” Iisalo said. “Once that happens, it puts more attention on him, and he’s done a great job feeding Jock. Those two play really well together.”
Landale’s work on the glass proved pivotal late. He grabbed three offensive rebounds in the final 90 seconds as both teams downsized and switched defensively.
“He’s been a big part of our offensive rebounding and generating extra possessions,” Iisalo said. “He has a will. He’s extremely competitive, and that really helps him in those situations.”
Coward said the final sequence unfolded exactly as Memphis practices it.
“Jock had a heck of an offensive rebound,” Coward said. “He kicked it to Cam, and Cam made the extra pass. We’re taught on-time, on-target makes extra pass. It was just my job to be prepared.”
Coward also acknowledged that the group addressed the moment directly after faltering late in the previous game.
“Me and Cam said it to most of the team—this is the final five minutes,” Coward said. “We can’t let it be like OKC. We have to come out with a win.”
Brooklyn was led by Noah Clowney and Tyrese Martin with 17 points apiece. Martin shot 6 of 8 from the field and went 5 of 7 from 3-point range. Danny Wolf added 11 points and 10 rebounds, and Jalen Wilson scored 11. The Nets held a brief eight-point lead late but did not score again.
Despite the win, Iisalo said Memphis still has areas to clean up, particularly turnovers that swing momentum.
“Live-ball turnovers are the most costly play,” he said. “You’re taking points away from yourself and increasing the value of the next possession for the other team.”
The victory moved Memphis to 17-22 and sent the Grizzlies into their European trip on a positive note. They will face Orlando on Thursday in Berlin and again Sunday in London, closing a week that tested their execution — and, finally, their ability to finish.