The Grizzlies routed the Hawks 96-64 in Vegas, holding Atlanta to a Summer League-record 2 points in the first quarter. Cameron Boozer scored 24.
The Memphis Grizzlies not only defeated the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday but also made history in the process.
Memphis routed Atlanta 96-64 in Las Vegas Summer League action, holding the Hawks to 2 points in the first quarter — the fewest points allowed in a quarter in Summer League history. The Grizzlies opened the game on an 18-0 run and led 32-2 after one, with the Hawks missing their first 6 shots and turning the ball over 8 times before the period ended.
Atlanta finally scored in the final 3 minutes of the first quarter, while Memphis was already up by 21 points at that point. The Grizzlies made 13 of their first 17 shots, while the Hawks shot just 1-of-13 early. It was already practically over by the second quarter with no meaningful momentum changes occurring the rest of the night.
Atlanta's defense did tighten up, with Kobe Johnson effectively defending Cameron Boozer to slow him down. The Hawks used a 9-0 run to come within 23 points late in the second quarter. However, Memphis came out of halftime dominating inside and knocking down 3-pointers, growing its lead back to as much as 36 points. The Grizzlies held at least a 23-point lead for the last 33 minutes.
Boozer, the third overall pick in this year's draft, racked up a game-high 24 points, along with 7 rebounds and 3 assists, shooting 77%. He ended Summer League on a high note with his best statistical performance. Afterward, teammate Cedric Coward described him as "special." Memphis shot 50.0% from the field for the game and out-rebounded Atlanta 45-34 while out-assisting the Hawks 20-15.
Isaiah Wong led Atlanta with 20 points and 5 rebounds, the only Hawks starter in double figures. Zeke Mayo scored 10 points off the bench. Atlanta finished shooting just 40.0% overall and 19.4% from beyond the arc. The Hawks rested Kingston Flemings, Zuby Ejiofor, and Asa Newell, while already playing without Jacob Toppin, RayJ Dennis, and Keshon Gilbert due to injuries.
The blowout reversed the outcome of the two teams' first meeting. Atlanta beat Memphis 96-82 in the Salt Lake City Summer League on July 7, but the Grizzlies were without Boozer, Walter Clayton Jr. and Cedric Coward that day. With its top pick back on the floor Thursday, Memphis made the rematch no contest.
Memphis secures a place in the Summer League semifinals with this win. Atlanta, originally 3-0 and undefeated in Las Vegas, was eliminated from the playoff bracket after this loss. This marks a disappointing end to an otherwise promising summer for Atlanta, which started with a narrow 1-point loss in Salt Lake City and then won three consecutive games.
