Hendricks' career-high five threes and Wells' scoring fuel the shorthanded Grizzlies, who dismantle the Pacers with dominant defense and ball movement.
Taylor Hendricks made a career-high five 3-pointers and finished with 19 points, Jaylen Wells added 18, and the Memphis Grizzlies rolled past the Indiana Pacers 125-106 on Sunday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse to win their second consecutive game.
Olivier-Maxence Prosper chipped in 17 points, while Scotty Pippen Jr. and Rayan Rupert each scored 16 for Memphis, which swept the season series against Indiana for the third time in five years. Walter Clayton Jr. dished out 14 assists, tying the franchise's single-game rookie record and the most assists by any NBA rookie in a game this season.
Rupert was particularly impactful down the stretch, scoring 10 of his 16 points during a decisive 17-1 run in the fourth quarter that turned a five-point lead into a 121-100 advantage and put the game out of reach. The Grizzlies shot 51% from the field and a perfect 14-of-14 from the free-throw line.
"I thought we did, overall as a team, a great job of having our defense feed our offense," said Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo. "We were disruptive, and that triggered a lot of transitions. We won the possession game even though we were the smaller team — through rebounds, through steals, great activity. And I love the way we were sharing the ball. I think guys really enjoyed playing together."
Memphis led 65-60 at halftime behind nine 3-pointers, including four from Hendricks. The Grizzlies pushed their advantage to 77-66 four minutes into the third period and never trailed in the second half.
Memphis led for 72% of the game, built a lead as large as 21 points, outrebounded Indiana 40-31, and outscored the Pacers 62-40 in the paint. Memphis also forced 19 turnovers and converted them into 25 points while committing just 13 of its own.
Jaylen Wells, the one constant in Memphis' injury-ravaged starting lineup, credited the team's defensive approach as the difference.
"Our intensity," Wells said. "That's our goal — just to be a pest on defense, make it hard for them throughout a full 48 minutes. I feel like we did that tonight."
Wells also addressed how the team has maintained chemistry amid relentless roster upheaval.
"Just leaning into our leaders, having a good voice in the locker room," he said. "I feel like throughout the NBA season you're gonna have a lot of change, and I think we're doing a good job of just staying with the program. Tomas is doing a good job keeping us together."
Jarace Walker led Indiana with 21 points on 8-of-10 shooting, including four 3-pointers. Micah Potter added 18 points and nine rebounds, and Jay Huff contributed 14 points off the bench. The Pacers have now lost six straight games and 10 of their last 12.
Memphis played without guard Ja Morant, who missed his 17th consecutive game with a left elbow injury. Rookie starter Cedric Coward sat out with a right knee injury, and reserve Ty Jerome was inactive with a left thigh contusion.
The injury news off the court was significant as well. The Grizzlies announced Sunday that center Zach Edey will undergo a second surgery on his ailing left ankle. The 7-foot-3 big man has not played since Dec. 7 due to a stress reaction in the joint. According to the team, the procedure will reinforce the medial ligament complex and accelerate bone healing. Edey, who is averaging 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in 11 games this season, is expected to make a full recovery, with a specific timetable to be released following the surgery.
Indiana was also shorthanded, missing four-time All-Star Pascal Siakam for the third straight game with a sprained left wrist. Guard Andrew Nembhard sat out with low back soreness. Obi Toppin returned for his second consecutive game after missing time with a stress fracture in his right foot, posting four points, four rebounds, and five assists in 11 minutes on a minutes restriction.
Iisalo praised Rupert's two-way impact and indicated Memphis wants to continue evaluating the second-year wing as the season winds down.
"A lot of his defense triggers his offense," Iisalo said. "He thinks very fast and gets to those quick decisions off the ball. Doesn't try to do too much."
When asked about Rupert's roster future, Iisalo kept the decision where it belongs. "That's gonna be a decision for the front office, not for me," he said.
The Grizzlies (23-36) continue their road trip Tuesday night at Minnesota. The Pacers (15-46) host Charlotte on Wednesday.