Rayan Rupert recorded the first triple-double of his career with 33 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, but the Grizzlies fell to the Bucks, 131-115, on Sunday.
Rayan Rupert put together a 33-point triple-double to guide the shorthanded Memphis Grizzlies, but fell short, 131-115, against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday at Fiserv Forum.
Rupert, averaging 4.3 points entering the game, set new career highs in points and assists and tied in rebounds. It was the first triple-double of his career.
Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo said afterward that the locker room reaction told the whole story.
"Great fight from our guys — 48 minutes," Iisalo said. "Very shorthanded roster, but the way guys are sharing the ball, the way they're competing, the way they enjoy each other's successes. Like today, Ryan had his career-first triple-double, and everybody on the bench was very genuinely happy for him — and also in the locker room. That's, at this stage in the season, that's really cool to see."
The 21-year-old went 9-of-19 from the field and 13-of-16 from the free-throw line as the only Grizzly capable of generating consistent offense against a Bucks defense that could afford to funnel attention his way with so little supporting cast around him.
Milwaukee shot 60.2% from the field and went 16-of-32 from 3-point range, more than offsetting 20 turnovers that Memphis converted into 22 points. The Bucks snapped an eight-game losing streak in the series and beat the Grizzlies for the first time since Jan. 19, 2022.
Cormac Ryan went 7-of-8 from the field for 21 points, and Taurean Prince matched that shooting line while connecting on all five of his 3-point attempts to finish with 19 points. Myles Turner added 19 points and 11 rebounds, and Ousmane Dieng contributed 17 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.
Walter Clayton Jr. led Memphis' supporting cast with 20 points off 6-of-11 shooting. Dariq Whitehead added 16 points on one of four 10-day-contract players Memphis dressed Sunday, alongside Toby Okani, Lucas Williamson, and Adama Bal.
Milwaukee went on a 13-0 run early that turned a 9-3 deficit into a 16-9 lead. The Bucks never trailed again. The Grizzlies cut the deficit to one with just under eight minutes remaining before Milwaukee closed the game on a dominant fourth quarter, outscoring Memphis 39-28.
In the game's final minute, Thanasis Antetokounmpo caught a lob from his brother Alex Antetokounmpo for Milwaukee's final basket — a sequence that drew a technical foul on Thanasis for rim hanging.
The Bucks played without two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo for the 11th consecutive game. Milwaukee has labeled the cause of his inability to play as a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise, though Antetokounmpo has publicly stated he is healthy and wants to play. The NBA announced Saturday that an investigation remains ongoing. Milwaukee was also without Kevin Porter Jr. (right knee), Bobby Portis (left wrist strain), and Gary Trent Jr. (left hip pointer).
Memphis' absences were more extensive. In addition to the four 10-day players in the rotation, the Grizzlies were without Ja Morant, Santi Aldama, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Brandon Clarke, Zach Edey, Ty Jerome, Jahmai Mashack, Scotty Pippen Jr., Javon Small, and Jaylen Wells — most due to injury. GG Jackson and Cam Spencer were also out Sunday.
The loss extended Memphis' skid to four consecutive defeats and 17 losses in the last 19 games. The Grizzlies fell to 25-53 on the season. Milwaukee is now 31-47.
The Grizzlies return home Monday to host the Cleveland Cavaliers.