Jerami Grant scored 23 points as the Portland Trail Blazers snapped a six-game losing streak with a convincing 135-115 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night, opening a two-game set at Moda Center.
Jrue Holiday added 20 points and seven assists for Portland, which pulled away in the second half and led by as many as 30. The Blazers showcased impressive balance, placing eight players in double figures.
Cam Spencer led the Grizzlies off the bench with 18 points, while GG Jackson II chipped in 15. Memphis was without Ja Morant for an eighth straight game due to a left elbow injury, though the star guard remained with the team through Thursday’s trade deadline amid speculation about his future.
The Grizzlies were also adjusting to a major roster shakeup, having dealt Jaren Jackson Jr., Jock Landale, John Konchar and Vince Williams Jr. to Utah in exchange for Georges Niang, Kyle Anderson, Walter Clayton Jr. and Taylor Hendricks. Anderson sat out with an illness, while Clayton and Hendricks made their Memphis debuts off the bench.
Memphis controlled much of the first half, building a 15-point lead before Portland surged late. Grant tied the game at 51 with a dunk, then followed with a layup to give the Blazers the lead. Portland carried a 68-64 advantage into halftime. The Blazers announced at the break that Shaedon Sharpe would not return due to a sore left calf.
Portland took full command in the third quarter, extending the lead to 94-77 on Grant’s 3-pointer, and the Grizzlies were unable to mount a serious challenge the rest of the way.
Scotty Pippen Jr. made his first start of the season for Memphis after offseason surgery on his left big toe, finishing with 13 points and six assists in 22 minutes. Scoot Henderson also made his season debut for Portland following recovery from a left hamstring injury, tallying 11 points, nine assists and five rebounds in just over 21 minutes.
Rookie center Donovan Clingan anchored the paint for Portland with 13 points and a game-high 17 rebounds.
Up next:
The teams will meet again Saturday night in Portland.
