Grizzlies unleash potent bench and suffocating defense, outscoring rivals and sealing a dominant victory. Their cohesive unit shows growing defensive prowess.
The Memphis Grizzlies dominated nearly every phase of the night, using a dominant bench effort and another strong defensive finish to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 119–96 on Sunday at FedExForum.
The Grizzlies built a 25-point first-half lead, steadied themselves after Portland cut the margin to four early in the third quarter, and closed with authority to earn their seventh win in nine games. Santi Aldama led Memphis with 22 points, while Jaylen Wells and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 17 apiece. Jock Landale contributed 15 as the Grizzlies’ reserves outscored Portland’s bench 69–35.
Head coach Tuomas Iisalo said Memphis’ defensive identity has grown increasingly consistent, particularly in late-game situations. When asked about holding consecutive opponents under 20 fourth-quarter points, he pointed to how seamlessly the roster is moving together.
“Collective is the word. Everybody’s on a string,” Iisalo said. He added that lineup flexibility has allowed Memphis to shift looks and coverages. “We’re able to play a little bit different with different types of lineups. That brings about a nice variability, which is not easy for the handlers because they’re seeing different looks during the games.”
Memphis led 66–46 at halftime, with Portland stumbling to 35% shooting and committing 14 turnovers through two quarters. The Trail Blazers were playing without centers Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III, leaving rookie Yang Hansen to make his first start. Hansen finished with four points and five rebounds.
Iisalo said the Grizzlies’ discipline against Portland’s drivers was key in building the early separation.
“We were able to do a very good job, especially in the first half, absorbing their drivers who do a great job of getting to the rim, drawing two and kicking out,” he said. He added that the possession battle tilted heavily toward Memphis. “I think we had 15 true shot attempts more than they did, and that was the secret sauce today.”
Portland responded with a 19–3 run to open the third quarter, pulling within 69–65 behind Jerami Grant’s 21 points and a burst from Shaedon Sharpe and Deni Avdija, who each scored 17. But Memphis rebuilt its lead on the strength of its bench unit, entering the fourth ahead 92–78.
Wells said the team’s fourth-quarter defense starts to take effect as opponents wear down.
“I think part of it is just wearing them down,” he said. “Obviously. we play a very aggressive defense, and we have great defenders — Zach protecting the rim, and then me, Vince, and Santi can play against the best players and ball handlers.”
He added that the group is returning to the defensive standard they expected from the preseason.
“We’ve made some adjustments, and I think it’s been working," he explained. "Obviously. we have to show that same level of intensity and success against the better teams in our conference.”
Caldwell-Pope, who has become a steady presence for Memphis’ second unit, said his rhythm has come from consistent work. “Getting shots up at practice, on my own, off days — whatever it takes. Just trying to stay in a rhythm,” he said. He pointed to selflessness as the defining trait of the bench group. “The ball is moving. It's not really been staying in one person's hands for a long period of time. Just playing together, playing for each other, and that’s how that chemistry is being built.”
Defensively, Caldwell-Pope said the emphasis has been straightforward. “Just sticking to the game plan and giving it our all — the effort, 110%,” he said. And as Memphis creeps closer to .500, he said the atmosphere has reflected the progress. “The vibe is great. You can tell by the way we're playing — the chemistry is getting better, and just hanging around each other and having fun.”
Edey, despite early foul trouble, recorded his fifth double-double of the season with 12 points, 10 rebounds and three assists before fouling out late in the fourth quarter.
The Grizzlies (11–13) now get a four-day break before hosting the Utah Jazz on Friday night.