Grizzlies rise in NBA power rankings as Wolves fall hard

In Memphis, Tennessee, on a Thursday night in late December 2024, the Memphis Grizzlies faced off against the Toronto Raptors. The Grizzlies delivered an emphatic performance, scoring a remarkable 155 points to secure a decisive victory over the Raptors, who managed to score 126 points. This game marked a significant milestone for the Grizzlies as they set a new franchise scoring record during this contest. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey both tallied 21 points, showcasing their offensive skills. Jackson also contributed 11 rebounds and 3 blocks, while Edey secured 16 rebounds, underscoring his presence in the paint. Desmond Bane and Jaylen Wells added to the scoring with 19 and 17 points, respectively, while Ja Morant facilitated the offense with 15 points and 9 assists. Memphis demonstrated a strong offensive performance, scoring 78 points in the first half alone, their highest for any half this season, leading to their third victory in four games. The win comes at a crucial time for the Grizzlies as they prepare for a challenging five-game road trip beginning in New Orleans the following day. Conversely, the Raptors are experiencing a rough patch, having lost their ninth consecutive game and carrying a dismal 1-14 record on the road. RJ Barrett led the Raptors in scoring with 27 points, and Scottie Barnes added 26 points, but their efforts were not enough to overcome the Grizzlies' offensive onslaught. The game showcased a notable lack of defensive intensity from both teams, with Memphis taking advantage of this to dominate the scoreboard. Following the game, Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic was ejected after receiving two technical fouls during their struggle, a moment that illustrated the frustrations being experienced by the Toronto squad. As the Grizzlies prepare for their upcoming matches, they solidify their position as a strong offensive team in the league, currently leading with an average of 122.7 points per game.