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Grizzlies

This article was originally published on BasketballNews on July 20, 2022.
Impact Basketball's facility sits inside an unassuming section of an unassuming plaza on Dean Martin Drive in Las Vegas.
The gym contains two light-colored hardwood basketball courts with a small scoreboard, a weightlifting area, a makeshift stretching room, a kitchenette for meals and snacks and a small office. It's no place for vanities. The only flexes are the dozens of white banners hanging on the right wall, listing names upon names of distinguished players who have come through during the gym's 25 years of existence.
Among those players: Kevin Garnett, Kawhi Leonard, Chauncey Billups, Kyle Lowry, Kelsey Plum, Tayshaun Prince, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Haliburton, DeMarcus Cousins, John Wall, Al Harrington, Kristaps Porzingis, Nassir Little, Saddiq Bey and Ziaire Williams.&nbsp;
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Kevin Garnett stopped by <a href="https://twitter.com/impactbball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@impactbball</a> and offered some advice to Blazers guard Keon Johnson, Mavericks wing Josh Green and 16-year-old prospect Dayan Nessah.<a href="https://twitter.com/Joe_Abunassar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Joe_Abunassar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KevinGarnett5KG?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KevinGarnett5KG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/iamkeonjohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iamkeonjohnson</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshBGreen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoshBGreen</a> <a href="https://t.co/fwRjAM2WHJ">pic.twitter.com/fwRjAM2WHJ</a>
&mdash; Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexKennedyNBA/status/1548046089877524482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Impact Basketball, founded by trainer Joe Abunassar in 1997, has a reputation for its star-studded, closed-door pickup games that take place during the NBA offseason. In the spring, it's also where some of the top NBA Draft hopefuls join Abunassar's pre-draft "boot camp" and commit themselves to an intricate world of sports training and nutrition.
The timeline is simple: arrive by April, revamp your training lifestyle and find your professional pathway &mdash; either via the NBA Draft, an undrafted free-agent deal or another contract &mdash; afterwards. The work is not flashy, isn't always fun and, if you want to stick as a pro, never ends.
But the results can change lives.
"It's not about W's or L's, it's about M's &mdash; M's being millions of dollars," said Isaac Mourier, Impact's Director of Performance Nutrition and Sport Science. "Once you say that to a guy like that, that's all they need in terms of motivation."
Mourier is a key cog in Impact's program. He's from the United Kingdom and played professional basketball in England and Germany before starting his own sports nutrition consulting business. Mourier has worked for the University of Georgia and Sacramento Kings as a nutritionist and consultant, and joined Impact in 2020 during the spring.
During his two-and-a-half years and three draft cycles with the company, Mourier has filled his laptop with infographics and progress charts for Impact athletes. They include individualized goals for each player; an example involves raising one prospect's weight by 20 pounds, lowering his body fat by 2%, increasing his bench press weight by 50 pounds and adding two inches to his vertical.
Mourier feels privileged to work with athletes at this stage of their careers. To him, the noise of team ecosystems and outside expectations all fade away. He can clearly define goals, and players know exactly what success will look like.
"This is the first time, maybe ever in their life, where they have a team of people that are only worried about them," he said. "Now, I'm just trying to get you to the NBA and keep you there. I don't care whether you win or lose games right now. This is you. All the focus is on you."
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Boot camp begins as soon as players are done with their respective prior seasons. They arrive at Impact and take part in comprehensive body testing to establish a full physical profile. The technology includes a bioelectrical impedence analysis that uses electrical currents to scan body composition. Sweat patches can read how much sodium athletes need in their system.
Variables such as blood work, stress hormone levels, nutrient deficienies, pre-workout hydration levels and post-workout hydration levels, body composition and body fat percentages all help establish a baseline of strengths and needs.
From there, each prospect receives an individualized growth roadmap. Skill development makes up one component. Players often train together in small groups, but they receive specific plans that prepare them for team pre-draft workouts and the NBA level.
"We're looking and analyzing and making assessments on the court; if guys are getting bumped off their cuts, if guys don't have enough lower-body power in their jump shot and guys seem like they need to get stronger, if guys aren't fast enough, [we'll consider], 'Okay, what do we need to do in the weight room or from a nutrition standpoint to correct that?'" Abunassar told Basketball News. "So, that's why every guy has his own program, because every guy has different goals."
Hydration and dieting are also central pieces. Mourier oversees the implementation of dietary plans through Impact's local chef connections, and says he outlines each meal, snack and supplement. Along the way are regular check-ins on body metrics, sleep schedules, mood and motivation among other factors. Mourier estimated that about 20-to-25 Impact staffers are involved with a player's development.&nbsp;
But Mourier repeatedly emphasized that the technology, food and workouts aren't what takes players to the Association. One of his most important jobs is reframing their habits and instilling discipline toward health.
"When an athlete gets to the elite level with bad habits, it's, 'Well, I'm already one of the best in the world at what I do, so why would I change?' So it's changing that mindset, and then when we've done that, it's about understanding that doing small things consistently is what gets us the results, as opposed to trying to do extreme things," Mourier said.
"The way that the structure of basketball [is] from AAU to college to the pros, a lot of the power is in the athlete's hands, where it's almost like, 'Who are you to tell me what to do?' So I think one of the main things that we have to do is cut through that barrier. And again, when our goals are the same as theirs, it becomes a little bit easier. But again, it's, 'Well, you've gotten to this level despite your bad habits. How good could you be if we instill some good habits?'"
Good habits, however, can be inconvenient and awkward. For NBA players to maintain their places in the league, they have to stick with those routines well past a pre-draft boot camp.
Dallas Mavericks wing Josh Green joined Impact's program ahead of the 2020 NBA Draft cycle. He's still entrenched with Impact today, and has been working out in Las Vegas this offseason. Part of his nutrition plan includes avoiding butter, which can be a particular hurdle when eating out at restaurants.
"I have to be the guy who requests light virgin oil, whatever it is," Green told Basketball News. "I think that's the hardest part about it. I'm about to go to Australia for three weeks, and all I'm gonna want to do is eat all the food, but I'm gonna have to stay disciplined. I want to have a big year, so my goal is focusing right now, but just taking it one day at a time."
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👀 <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshBGreen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoshBGreen</a> <a href="https://t.co/pX0fkZzCBZ">pic.twitter.com/pX0fkZzCBZ</a>
&mdash; Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexKennedyNBA/status/1547655829431525383?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Green said he started prioritizing nutrition after his second shoulder surgery in April 2019. Since joining Impact, Green has been floored by how much nourishment the human body loses during workouts. He has an app that lays out meal calories and hydration plans, and his goal this offseason is to skip carbohydrates, even from snacks like a simple bag of chips.
"When you're young, whatever you see in front of you is what you want," Green said. "I [was] able to start here early and realize, if I want to play ball for a while, it's important to put the right things in my body and stay healthy. It's the same thing as seeing your physical therapist and getting treatment, if not more important for your body."
Abunassar has a plethora of stories about players who embraced the importance of nutrition at the pro level. Garnett has talked about taping his meal-plan menus on the cabinets of his Minnesota home.&nbsp; Lowry, Haliburton and Serge Ibaka are examples of guys who transformed their bodies under Impact's guidance too.
Gym time and workouts are obviously valuable, but to Abunassar, nutrition is what sparks physical development.
"The nutrition is really the basis of body change &mdash; for anybody, not even just for a basketball player," Abunassar said. "You can go to the gym every day, but if you're eating cheeseburgers and fries, you're just not going to lose weight."
Mourier has his own trail of success stories. He's worked with dozens of players, including Haliburton and Green. Zeke Nnaji, another 2020 draftee, was an especially interesting case as the only plant-based-dieting prospect Mourier has guided at Impact.
Mourier does not advise athletes to follow a plant-based diet solely for performance. However, Nnaji had chosen to be a vegan for ethical reasons, which Mourier respected, and the two worked together to create a nutrition plan despite the constraints. One of Nnaji's pre-draft goals was to add muscle, and he succeeded with rigorous attention to detail.
"He gained 20 pounds and everyone was like, 'Who the hell is this?'" Mourier said. "So that was really good, just being tactful with the timing and quantities of that stuff. And [Nnaji] was really diligent with it. He nailed every single aspect of it down to the gram... He was a really easy one. I really can't take credit for all that stuff. I just put the blueprint down and he just rolled with it."
This year, Impact has worked with several 2022 draft prospects, including MarJon Beauchamp, Blake Wesley and Michael Foster Jr. among others.&nbsp;
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San Antonio Spurs rookie Blake Wesley (<a href="https://twitter.com/blakewesley0?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@blakewesley0</a>) working out at <a href="https://twitter.com/impactbball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@impactbball</a>: <a href="https://t.co/9lfkFikWsP">pic.twitter.com/9lfkFikWsP</a>
&mdash; Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexKennedyNBA/status/1547643918904217604?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Wesley has been an Impact athlete since he was 17, meeting Abunassar for the first time as a junior in high school. Wesley would come in occasionally for workouts, staying on the far court and watching as NBA players like Leonard and Paul George would get their reps in. He returned in offseasons and locked in for his own pre-draft boot camp.
Mourier praised the Spurs rookie for his attention to detail regarding nutrition. Wesley frequently FaceTimed Mourier while at restaurants and stores, and asked questions about what he should eat. He's also a staunch advocate of Herbalife's CR7 Drive sports drink mix, and even has an endorsement deal with Herbalife.
As part of his pre-draft plan to put on weight, Welsey would cook three eggs, plus have oatmeal, milk and orange juice for breakfast.
"[Changing my nutrition] helped my body a lot," Wesley told Basketball News over the phone. "I kept doing this, so I kept getting better on the court and did everything good on the court. So yeah, my nutrition helped me a lot."
The result: Wesley turned himself from a relatively unheralded four-star recruit into Notre Dame's first one-and-done player &mdash; then bulked up to 190 pounds in the spring and became a first-round NBA draft pick.
"I met [Wesley] a year ago, before he went to Notre Dame, and his transformation from then to the start of the pre-draft [process] to now &mdash; it's phenomenal," Mourier said.
The next challenge is to maintain discipline once that contract gets signed.&nbsp;
"You gotta stay focused; the NBA is totally different from college," Wesley said. "I mean, you're getting paid, you got a high profile [and] a lot of people are watching you &mdash; &nbsp;watching how you move, who you hang out with, stuff like that. So it's a whole different lifestyle."
Abunassar, Mourier and the Impact staff are hands-on with their players during the offseason and pre-draft process. But what happens when those players head back to their respective NBA franchises?
"For the most part, from a strength-and-conditioning standpoint [and] from a player development standpoint, the NBA teams have stuff really dialed in," Mourier said. "From a nutrition standpoint, for the most part, they do not."
Mourier estimated that there are only six full-time nutritionists and dietitians in the entire NBA. The Collegiate and Professional Sports Dietitians Association (CPSDA) lists <a href="https://sportsrd.org/career-development/full-time-sports-rds-working-with-usas-top-institutions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nine full-time registered dietitians.</a> Mourier said that teams often have physicians and trainers covering several responsibilites, including nutrition, due to budget restrictions and front-office priorities. This means some athletes, specifically reserve players, receive less health guidance.
"We're kind of the ones who are the last for the front office to see the value in it, so a lot of times we're really just a check-box," Mourier said. "So especially for those lower-order guys that are maybe No. 7, 8, 9, 10, all the way through to 15 on the roster, they're not really receiving any support at all. They're receiving provision. They're receiving meals and supplements. But in terms of education and behavior change, they're really not receiving it."
Over the last 25 years, Abunassar has seen sports nutrition dramatically change, with data and technology more interwoven into practice than ever. He thinks there are positives and pitfalls to the advancements.
"From a nutrition standpoint and strength-and-conditioning standpoint, it's clearly useful information to help prevent injury, to increase lean body mass, etc.," he said. "All of the technology that has come out has been very helpful for us, but you do have to watch that you don't get too reliant on it. Sometimes, you gotta watch the games and see how guys move and that kind of thing. But a combination of the two is very effective."
Impact Basketball is one progressive frontrunner in the field of sports science, but Mourier emphasized that, at this point, all basketball pros should be setting themselves up for success with some sort of offseason developmental map. Pre-draft prospects especially cannot afford to lose that critical period before team workouts to maximize their appeal.
"It's like doing the SAT without looking at the study guide," Mourier said "...I think it's definitely a standard. There's people doing this all over the country, really. Nobody does it like us, and nobody's been doing it for as long as us, but people are seeing the value."

A behind-the-scenes look at how Impact Basketball helps players realize their full potential by focusing on their training and nutrition.

How sports nutrition and biometrics are evolving NBA training

Blake Stern previews the NBA's Central Division, breaking down each team's projected lineup and burning question entering the year.

NBA Central Division Preview: Burning questions, rotation projections

The trade deadline is fast approaching and the Memphis Grizzlies have to make an important decision.
Grizzlies general manager and executive vice president Zach Kleiman has been doing his best Marvel impression by living in a multiverse, attempting to walk out two timelines: contending and developing.
The core of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane is in its third year together and, when healthy, is one of the top trios in the entire NBA. More importantly, only Jackson is beyond his rookie contract, as Morant and Bane are both still on rookie deals. This fact has led to a polarizing debate surrounding the Grizzlies.
When Memphis knocked the Golden State Warriors out of the first NBA Play-In Tournament, everyone raved at the "ahead-of-schedule" nature of this team. Last season, the team traded away Jonas Valanciunas for Steven Adams and a shot at developing Ziaire Williams and Santi Aldama. Kleiman was trying to develop ancillary pieces while still putting a competitive product on the floor.
Morant and the Grizzlies surprised everyone, finishing with the second-best record in the league and pushing the eventual-champion Warriors to six games in arguably Golden State's toughest series last year. The "ahead-of-schedule" Grizzlies were still given a pass because they were young and overacheiving.&nbsp;
Memphis is still the second seed in the Western Conference despite losing eight of their last nine contests. Injuries have been a huge factor as Jackson (17 games), Bane (22), Adams (10) and Morant (8) have all missed time due to injury. With the NBA trade deadline on Thursday, the question is whether Kleiman will push the chips in and go for a title piece this year or continue on his multiverse timeline.
Re-signing Adams and Tyus Jones suggests Memphis is interested in contending. Trading away De'Anthony Melton, who struggled mightily in the postseason, suggests the same. Playing Ziaire Williams, David Roddy and Jake LaRavia is the organization attempting to sneak in development. It makes sense, as you have to find the right role players on affordable deals (in this case, rookie contracts) who can have winning impact around your big three.&nbsp;
But even if it makes sense, there is also the flip side. At some point, you are no longer ahead of schedule and overachieving. At some point, the schedule and timeline eventually readjust to the progress that has been made, and a new schedule begins. The Grizzlies are no longer up-and-coming. They are here and the league has adjusted, and so must Memphis.
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There have been social-media posts circling that the Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans both do not want their counterpart to land O.G. Anunoby, and that Memphis would be a perfect fit for OG. This Grizzlies front office has historically moved in silence, and nothing suggests it will overpay in a bidding war for a player who might&nbsp;move the needle toward a title.
Over the next few days, Kleiman will have to decide what is most important for the franchise entrusted to his leadership. The Grizzlies clearly need shooting (still) and perimeter defending &mdash; two things every team is looking for at all times.&nbsp;
Morant, Bane and Jackson are non-starters in any trade conversation (as they should be). They are a core that meshes beautifully. It's the pieces surrounding them that Kleiman has to be willing to part ways with.
One of the most polarizing players in the NBA is Dillon Brooks; you either hate him or you love him. He is on an expiring contract, with his days in Memphis possibly winding away. Brooks' antics on the court and refusal to accept his spot in the pecking order offensively at times have led many to wonder whether he is a long-term fit with the Grizzlies.
With Bane due for a near-max payday, Brooks could be traded at the deadline for assets or given the Kyle Anderson treatment, using his contributions for this run and letting his deal expire at season's end.
Then, there is Jones, who is often lauded as the best backup point guard in the NBA and basically a health-insurance policy for Morant. Memphis needs to send Tyus somewhere he can start and bring in a bigger combo guard who can help Bane run the non-Morant minutes.&nbsp;
Adams and Danny Green are the veterans on the roster who also have extremely tradeable contracts if Kleiman were to do some type of big-game hunting. Adams' presence has allowed Jackson to develop into the Defensive Player of the Year candidate he has become, but at some point, JJJ needs to become the full-time starting 5.&nbsp;
Williams and Xavier Tillman are pieces that Memphis should be willing to include to upgrade their roster. And as well as Memphis has done drafting the last few years, they should now be at the point in this process where first-round picks are on the table.&nbsp;
OUTLINING POTENTIAL TRADE IDEAS
I'm no trade-machine guru, but something along the lines of this framework makes sense for both teams:
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Memphis gets to keep its primary defender in Brooks while adding a 24-year-old scorer to come off the bench. If the Toronto Raptors begin a fire sale, they get an expiring contract, two second-round picks (<a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjg0d7A8oP9AhVuFlkFHQ-iAGkQFnoECEQQAQ&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fhoopshype.com%2F2023%2F02%2F03%2Fgary-trent-jr-s-trade-value-at-a-protected-first-round-pick-or-two-good-second-rounders%2F&amp;usg=AOvVaw2EDYmp9Yp1qneXxEEdRIt_" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Trent's reported projected value</a>) and a player who fits their mold of lenghty wings.
The Grizz bench unit is currently 12th in the NBA in scoring at 35.5 points per contest, but is a minus-313 in scoring for the season. They are also 25th in three-point percentage (32.4%) in the league. Adding Gary Trent Jr. could bolster a glaring weakness if Memphis is to be a legitimate contender.&nbsp;
In the interest of getting assets in return for Brooks, Kleiman would likely be choosing to remain on the course of developing players, as Morant, Jackson and Bane are not yet in their primes. Memphis can recoup cheaper, more controllable assets by moving Dillon:
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In this scenario, Memphis takes a shot on Cam Reddish while finding the eventual Jones replacement in Immanuel Quickley. The Knicks get a perfect-fit player to go with Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle in Brooks as they attempt to make a run in the Eastern Conference this postseason, plus a lottery-protected first-rounder from the Grizzlies via the Warriors (from the Andre Iguodala trade in July 2019.)
Speaking of replacing Jones, Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins could use a defensive upgrade in the backcourt as well someone with a little more size:
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The Chicago Bulls are at a crossroads, and if they decide to start rebuilding the makeup of their roster, bringing in Jones as their starting point guard would not be the worst idea. The Grizzlies get two combo guards in Alex Caruso and Coby White in this trade framework.
White is playing the least amount of minutes of his career this season, and could afford a change of scenery. Caruso is a perfect fit for Memphis, as an athletic guard who can defend on the perimeter. This move also fits Kleiman's desire to flirt with two timelines.
These three trades could be a sequence of moves done at once, but there's a next-to-zero chance Memphis makes multiple moves at the deadline, if any. However, there are peripheral moves to be made for Memphis because it seems clear that standing pat and riding it out is no longer the right choice for this franchise.&nbsp;

Justin Lewis explains how the Grizzlies have to move ahead with contention and suggests three possible trades that could help.

Proposing 3 potential trades that could spark the Memphis Grizzlies

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) &mdash; Anthony Edwards scored 13 of his 25 points in the third quarter as Minnesota extended its lead, D&rsquo;Angelo Russell added 19 points and the Timberwolves topped the short-handed Memphis Grizzlies 111-100 on Friday night.
The Grizzlies took the court minutes after v&nbsp;<a class="paragraph-link" href="https://apnews.com/article/tyre-nichols-video-memphis-police-e3ee8e6698faae16df3f41d09234b09f">ideo footage was released of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols being beaten by Memphis police officers</a>.
There was a moment of silence prior to the game but no demonstration by the Grizzlies or Timberwolves.&nbsp;<a class="paragraph-link" href="https://apnews.com/article/memphis-grizzlies-nba-sports-basketball-national-players-association-1c295604b23aea893cfa58fd48eabf24">Both teams offered thoughts to Nichols&rsquo; family and friends</a>&nbsp;in messages tweeted before the video was released.
&ldquo;There&rsquo;s way harder things going on in the city versus what&rsquo;s going on with our basketball right now,&rdquo; Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m proud of our guys going out there. As I said before the game, we&rsquo;re playing with heavy hearts, but we&rsquo;re also playing for our city that&rsquo;s going through a lot right now.&rdquo;
&ldquo;So, it&rsquo;s hard, but our guys went out there and competed. I told them the last two games, as we&rsquo;ve been talking about everything that&rsquo;s been going on in Memphis with the tragedy to Tyre Nichols, we&rsquo;ve been staying together.&rdquo;
Jenkins said he had not watched the video footage of the incident when speaking after the game and didn&rsquo;t think the team had a chance to watch before the game. The Memphis locker room was closed to media after the game and no players were made available.
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Kyle Anderson had 23 points for Minnesota, which has won four of five. Nathan Knight added 10 points off the bench. The Timberwolves scored 58 points in the paint
&ldquo;I thought we were pretty decisive, drawing a crowd and then making the right play,&rdquo; Minnesota coach Chris Finch said. &ldquo;They were pretty heavy in the gaps and do a good job of having multiple bodies at the rim. So, I thought we generated a lot of really, really good looks.&rdquo;
Ja Morant had 27 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds for Memphis. Dillon Brooks scored 17 for the Grizzlies.
Minnesota established a double-digit lead in the first quarter and made it stand. Memphis&rsquo; only lead was 7-6.
Edwards had eight points during a 12-4 run in the third to give the Timberwolves a game-high 17-point lead.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m not worried, I know it&rsquo;s going to come,&rdquo; Edwards said. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m going to keep making the right play until they loosen up, and then when they loosen up, that&rsquo;s when I&rsquo;m going to go. And that&rsquo;s what I did tonight.&rdquo;
PRAISE FOR ANT
Edwards came in averaging 27.8 points, 5 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.8 steals per game over his previous 10 games. He&rsquo;s scored at least 20 points in 10 of his last 11 games.
Anderson told the Target Center crowd after the game that Edwards could be in the MVP conversation every season.
&ldquo;He&rsquo;s playing as an All-Star starter, like and All-Star starter right now, like one of the best 10 players in the league these last few games,&rdquo; Anderson said later in the locker room. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s shown it. And he has a higher ceiling, a lot more room to grow, it&rsquo;s scary.&rdquo;
ROUGH TRIP
Memphis finished its season-long road trip 0-5 during which it lost Steven Adams, Desmond Bane and John Konchar to injuries. Three of the losses were by a combined five points, but there was also a 33-point loss at Sacramento and Friday&rsquo;s showing at Minnesota.
&ldquo;I called it the road trip of revelations,&rdquo; Jenkins said. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re just learning a lot about ourselves, meat of the season. Told the guys at the end of the game, we&rsquo;ve put ourselves in a still really good spot. We&rsquo;ve got 30-plus games left and this happens during a season where you have ups and downs.&rdquo;
TIP-INS
Grizzlies: Bane, who&rsquo;s second on the team with 21.6 points per game, was held out with right knee soreness. Adams (right knee PCL sprain) missed his third straight game. Konchar (concussion protocol) was out for the second straight game. &hellip; Ziaire Williams started for Bane and had seven points.
Timberwolves: Taurean Prince missed his third straight game with a left ankle sprain. &hellip; Minnesota had 20 turnovers leading to 21 points for the Grizzlies. The Timberwolves scored 12 points on Memphis&rsquo; 21 turnovers.
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Anthony Edwards scored 13 of his 25 points in the third quarter as the Minnesota Timberwolves topped the Memphis Grizzlies 111-100.

Timberwolves top Memphis after moment of silence for Nichols

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) &mdash; Ja Morant had 23 points, 10 assists and <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1614442556863164416?s=20&amp;t=Nc4lalfJeGRU0uHZfznPqg">another ferocious dunk</a>, and the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Indiana Pacers 130-112 on Saturday night to extend the NBA's longest current winning streak to nine games.
Desmond Bane scored 25 points to lead the Grizzlies, who tied Denver for the Western Conference's best record at 29-13.
Neither Bane nor Morant was needed in the fourth quarter. Morant's soaring slam over Jalen Smith made it a 20-point game with 4:20 left in the third, and Memphis led by as much as 34 in the fourth.
Asked if the dunk was his best, Morant said, &ldquo;Yeah, easy&rdquo; because of the difficulty, then added, &ldquo;It's what everybody has been waiting for. I finally made it.&rdquo;
Added Bane: &ldquo;I ain't seen nothing like that one. That's probably going to go down as dunk of the year.&rdquo;
The game was tied in the second quarter before Memphis outscored the Pacers 27-11 to take a 68-52 lead at halftime. Morant had five points and four assists during that span.
&ldquo;Obviously we're having fun out there, playing hard and playing together,&rdquo; said Bane, who grew up in Richmond, Indiana.
Santi Aldama added 17 points and Ziaire Williams 13 for the Grizzlies.
&ldquo;We're not playing perfect basketball," Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said of the streak. &ldquo;I'm just glad our guys are finding different ways to win, whether we're playing with a lead or playing from behind. Each game has presented a different challenge for us and our guys have stayed the course.&rdquo;
Reserve guard Chris Duarte scored 25 points for the Pacers. Rookie Bennedict Mathurin had 16 and T.J. McConnell 13.
"That very well may be the best team on the planet right now," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. &ldquo;They're very hard to play.&rdquo;
The Pacers, missing two starters, have lost three in a row. Point guard Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana's leading scorer and NBA assist leader, is expected to miss two weeks after sustaining a left elbow strain and left knee contusion on Wednesday. Center Myles Turner, who averages 17 points, is out with back spasms.
TIP-INS
Grizzlies: Morant has averaged 28.7 points during the streak. ... Have won four in a row on the road to improve to 11-10 in away games.
Pacers: Duarte angrily exited in the second quarter with a sore left hand and used his right hand to knock over a chair. He returned midway through the third.
&nbsp;

Ja Morant had 23 points, 10 assists and another ferocious dunk, and the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Indiana Pacers 130-112.

Morant's slam in Indy highlights Grizzlies' 9th straight win

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) &mdash; Ja Morant scored 32 points, Jaren Jackson Jr. added 31 points and 10 rebounds and the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Orlando Magic 123-115 on Thursday night for their fifth straight win.
Ziaire Williams came off the Memphis bench with 6-of-7 shooting and 16 points.
Paolo Banchero had 30 points and nine rebounds for Orlando. Franz Wagner added 22 points, 19 in a desperate fourth-quarter comeback attempt.
Jackson had 13 points and five rebounds in the Grizzlies' 43-point second quarter that ended with Memphis leading 65-43.
Banchero scored Orlando's first 10 points of the second half, but Morant answered with 11 straight for the Grizzlies.
Banchero made three free throws to bring the Magic back within 12 late in the third, but Morant closed the period with a short jumper, and the Grizzlies regained a 21-point lead with three 3-pointers (two by Williams) early in the fourth.
Orlando rallied behind Wagner in the fourth quarter and cut the Grizzlies' lead to six on Caleb Houstan's 3-pointer with 1:53 remaining. But Morant drew a sixth foul on Magic center Wendell Carter Jr., with 1:21 remaining, and scored Memphis' final three points from the foul line.
Carter finished with 18 points and seven rebounds.
TIP-INS
Grizzlies: G Desmond Bane did not play in the second game of a back-to-back as part of his management of a toe injury. ... F Brandon Clarke missed a third game with a sore left hip.
Magic: Banchero had a 20-point third quarter. ... G Jalen Suggs played five minutes in his first game since Nov. 25 due to a sore right ankle. ... F Bol Bol, who missed a second game in the NBA's health and safety protocols, is expected to rejoin the Magic during their upcoming road trip.
&nbsp;

Ja Morant scored 32 points, Jaren Jackson Jr. added 31 points and the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Orlando Magic 123-115.

Morant, Jackson lead Grizzlies over Magic for 5th straight

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) &mdash; Ja Morant had 23 points and eight assists, Desmond Bane added 19 points and 10 rebounds and the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Charlotte Hornets 131-107 on Wednesday night for their fourth straight win.
Dillon Brooks scored 18 points and Jaren Jackson Jr. added 17 points and nine rebounds for the Grizzlies. Steven Adams had 15 rebounds for Memphis, which improved to 9-10 on the road.
LaMelo Ball had 23 points and 12 assists and Terry Rozier added 21 points for the Hornets, who&rsquo;ve lost 14 of 17 games.
The Hornets were outmatched from the start.
The Grizzlies jumped out to a 40-26 in the first quarter behind Morant, who set the tone with 12 points and four assists. The Grizzlies didn't let up as Morant took a seat on the bench to start the second quarter, opening with a 20-9 run and eventually pushing the lead to 29 at the half.
Morant had no problem slicing his way through Charlotte's defense. And when he missed, it seemed Adams or Jackson was there to grab the offensive rebound for a put-back.
The Grizzlies dominated the Hornets on the glass 59-44 and outscored them 64-52 in the paint.
Morant didn't play in the fourth quarter after the Grizzlies stretched the lead to 37.
The frustration was evident for the Hornets with Ball, Dennis Smith Jr. and Jalen McDaniels picking up technical fouls.
TIP-INS
Grizzlies: Attempted 28 free throws in the first half, 20 more than the Hornets. ... Played without Brandon Clarke (hip) and Ziaire Williams (knee).
Hornets: Cody Martin returned after missing 37 games with a left knee injury. Martin was injured in the team's season opener and hadn't played since. ... Jalen McDaniels got the start at small forward with Gordon Hayward (hamstring) and Kelly Oubre (hand) out.
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Ja Morant had 23 points, Desmond Bane added 19 points and the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Charlotte Hornets 131-107.

Morant, Grizzlies overpower Hornets for 4th straight win

DENVER (AP) &mdash; Nikola Jokic had 13 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists for his second straight triple-double to lead the Denver Nuggets over the Memphis Grizzlies 105-91 on Tuesday night in a matchup between the top two teams in the Western Conference.
Jokic followed up his 40-point, 27-rebound, 10-assist performance Sunday night with his sixth triple-double of the season and 82nd of his career. He joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only players to put up those stats in a single game. Chamberlain did it four times.
Aaron Gordon had 24 points and Bruce Brown scored 16 for Denver. Rookie Christian Braun scored 13 points in the first start of his career.
&ldquo;It doesn&rsquo;t change much. You just got to be ready for the plays out of the huddle, but it didn&rsquo;t change anything,&rdquo; Braun said. &ldquo;Same mindset, I have come in to the same exact thing. So it&rsquo;s pretty easy.&rdquo;
Braun&rsquo;s defensive assignment was Ja Morant, who led Memphis with 35 points and 10 assists.
&ldquo;I thought I was doing a good job on Ja and I looked up in the third quarter and he had 30,&rdquo; Braun said.
The Grizzlies, now tied with the Nuggets in the standings, have lost two in a row following a seven-game winning streak.
&ldquo;You&rsquo;re playing for first place in the Western Conference -- meaningless in the middle of December &mdash; but that&rsquo;s what we&rsquo;re playing for tonight,&rdquo; Denver coach Michael Malone said. &ldquo;That team is a top five in offensive and defense, so we&rsquo;re going to have to bring our A game tonight. And I felt that Bruce, Christian, (Kentavious Caldwell-Pope), Aaron and Nikola did that.&rdquo;
Denver, which never trailed, shot 59% and built a 21-point lead in the first quarter. Jeff Green&rsquo;s running dunk over Ziaire Williams made it 37-14 and prompted a Memphis timeout 22 seconds into the second.
&ldquo;Insane. His new nickname is Vino,&rdquo; Gordon said of the 36-year-old Green. &ldquo;Ages like fine wine.&rdquo;
Memphis got within nine in the third period, but the Nuggets went back ahead by 20 and led by 13 entering the fourth. The Grizzlies made it 92-84 midway through the fourth but Denver used a 13-3 run to put it away.
&ldquo;Two games in a row we don&rsquo;t come out in the first quarter and we pay the price for it,&rdquo; Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said. &ldquo;We were getting some good shots early, we just need to convert those and give ourselves a better start to the game.&rdquo;
TIP-INS
Grizzlies: F Desmond Bane missed his 17th straight game with a sprained big toe on his right foot. ... Jaren Jackson Jr. had three blocks in his first nine minutes and finished with five, three shy of his career best set Dec. 12 against Atlanta.
Nuggets: Malone said Michael Porter Jr. is increasing his workload while rehabbing a heel injury and could return Friday against Portland or Sunday against Phoenix. ... Jamal Murray (sore left knee) was inactive. ... Hall of Fame QB Peyton Manning and former wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders sat courtside. Both played on the Denver Broncos&rsquo; Super Bowl 50 title team.
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Nikola Jokic had 13 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists to lead the Denver Nuggets over the Memphis Grizzlies 105-91.

Jokic's latest triple-double leads Nuggets past Grizzlies

WASHINGTON (AP) &mdash; Kristaps Porzingis scored 25 points and Deni Avdija added 21 to lead the Washington Wizards to their fourth straight victory, 102-92 over the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday night.
The Wizards swept a weekend back-to-back against Utah and Memphis, two of the Western Conference's top teams in the early going this season. Washington did that without Bradley Beal, who is still getting back into playing shape after going through health and safety protocols.
Memphis was missing key players as well, with Ja Morant out because of left ankle soreness and Desmond Bane unavailable because of right toe soreness.
&ldquo;That was a point of emphasis for us, that even though they have a couple guys out, this is one of those games you have to be careful," Wizards coach Wes Unseld Jr. said. &ldquo;They're going to play free and easy, they're going to play physical. They're going to play hard &mdash; guys who get more opportunities.&rdquo;
Dillon Brooks scored 19 points for the Grizzlies. Steven Adams contributed 12 points and 10 rebounds.
&ldquo;I'm proud of the way the guys fought,&rdquo; Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said. &ldquo;Wizards always had an answer for everything we had tonight.&rdquo;
Kyle Kuzma had nine points and 11 rebounds for Washington, which went on an 11-2 run near the end of the third quarter to extend what had been a one-point lead. The Wizards led 85-78 in the fourth when Will Barton dunked to push the advantage to nine. That was the start of an 11-4 spurt.
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GOODY BLOCK. THRILL DUNK. THAT'S JUST BEAUTIFUL BASKETBALL. <a href="https://t.co/dDXnnpjSAc">pic.twitter.com/dDXnnpjSAc</a>
&mdash; Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) <a href="https://twitter.com/WashWizards/status/1591959296602144770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2022</a></blockquote>

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The Wizards and Grizzlies split two games a week apart. Memphis <a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-wizards-memphis-grizzlies-nba-sports-bradley-beal-e3422f2cd105216231c1fc8343de5c41" target="_blank" rel="noopener">won 103-97</a> at home the previous Sunday with Bane and Morant combining for 51 points. That was Washington's last game before the beginning of this winning streak.
FROM DEEP
Washington went 19 of 40 from 3-point range, with Porzingis making a team-high six. Jordan Goodwin went 3 of 4 from beyond the arc and finished with 10 points.
Memphis was just 9 of 28 from long range.
Porzingis made five of his 3s during a 19-point first half.
&ldquo;I think he likes the way we play. It kind of fits his style of game,&rdquo; Unseld said. &ldquo;When we space the floor correctly, and when we do move the ball, who wouldn't want to play that way?&rdquo;
BIG NIGHT
Avdija equaled his career high in scoring.
&ldquo;Just confidence,&rdquo; teammate Monte Morris said. &ldquo;When you've got confidence, and you've got, already, hoop game on you, it's just going to take your talent and your level to another level, and I think these last few games, he's stepping up now in shots. He's not second guessing it. He's shooting his shot, and he's also defending.&rdquo;
TIP-INS
Grizzlies: Memphis was also without Jaren Jackson Jr. (right foot), Ziaire Williams (right knee) and Danny Green (left knee). ... Tyus Jones scored 17 points and Santi Aldama added 15.
Wizards: Delon Wright (right hamstring) and Taj Gibson (cervical soreness) were not available. ... Corey Kispert scored 12 points and Monte Morris had 10.
UP NEXT
Grizzlies: At New Orleans on Tuesday night.
Wizards: Host Oklahoma City on Wednesday night.

Kristaps Porzingis scored 25 points and Deni Avdija added 21 to beat the Grizzlies 102-92 and give the Wizards their fourth-straight win.

Wizards earn fourth-straight victory, beat Grizzlies 102-92

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) &mdash; Desmond Bane made six 3-pointers and scored 31 points as the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the winless Sacramento Kings 125-110 on Thursday night.
&ldquo;Shots are falling,&rdquo; Bane said. &ldquo;Early on I was getting similar looks and now I kind of got my legs under me and (now) they&rsquo;re falling.&rdquo;
Ja Morant added 22 points, six assists and five rebounds for Memphis.
Earlier this week, Morant and Bane each scored 38 to help the Grizzlies beat Brooklyn 134-124.
&ldquo;Back-to-back performances show you how good he is,&rdquo; Morant said. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t feel like I&rsquo;ve got to say it when you can see it.&rdquo;
Brandon Clarke had 16 points, Tyus Jones added 14 and Jake LaRavia scored 13 off the bench for the Grizzlies (4-1).
&ldquo;We talk about being ready to go,&rdquo; LaRavia said. &ldquo;Coming off the bench is a little bit harder but we came with energy and played with energy.&rdquo;
De&rsquo;Aaron Fox had 27 points and six rebounds to lead Sacramento. Harrison Barnes scored a season-high 20 points and rookie Keegan Murray added 18.
&ldquo;It was just the little things that killed us,&rdquo; Barnes said. &ldquo;Offensive rebounds ... 50/50 balls ... The theme in a lot of these games is close but not enough and eventually we&rsquo;ve got to get over the hump.&rdquo;
Domantas Sabonis finished with 11 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Sabonis has three double-doubles this season.
The Kings trailed by 16 early in the fourth quarter and cut it to six with 9:22 left before Memphis pulled away.
Bane was a big reason.
&ldquo;Great two-game performance,&rdquo; Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s been playing great all season. ... I think his defense was really good as well. ... When he&rsquo;s in that zone, he&rsquo;s hard to stop.&rdquo;
Sacramento is 0-4 under first-year coach Mike Brown, its worst start since opening 0-5 during the 2019-20 campaign. The Kings have lost six straight to Memphis dating to the 2020-21 season.
The Kings are one of three winless teams in the NBA. The others are the Lakers and Magic.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a long season, so you don&rsquo;t want to put your head down after the first four games, but we know we have to turn this thing around and it&rsquo;s as simple as that,&rdquo; Fox said.
KENTUCKY CONNECTION
Fox and Malik Monk connected on alley-oops to each other on back-to-back possessions in the third quarter. They were backcourt mates during the 2016-17 season at Kentucky. This is Monk&rsquo;s first season in Sacramento after signing a $19 million, two-year deal last offseason.
MURRAY JOINS STARTING LINEUP
Murray made his first career start for Sacramento. The 22-year-old rookie from Iowa sat out the Kings&rsquo; season opener because of NBA health and safety protocols. He came off the bench against the Clippers and Warriors.
TIP-INS
Grizzlies: Memphis announced Wednesday that F Ziaire Williams will miss an additional four to six weeks because of patellar tendinitis in his right knee. Williams, the 10th pick in the 2021 draft out of Stanford, has yet to play this season. &hellip; Sacramento&rsquo;s bench was outscored 23-5 in the first half before receiving a spark from Monk.
Kings: F Chima Moneke became the first UC Davis basketball player to check into an NBA game. He played six minutes. &hellip; Sacramento ranked last in free throw percentage coming into Thursday. The Kings went 18 for 21 against Memphis.
UP NEXT
Grizzlies: Continue a four-game trip against Utah on Saturday.
Kings: Host the Miami Heat on Saturday.
___
More AP NBA:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/NBA">https://apnews.com/hub/NBA</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/AP_Sports" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://twitter.com/AP_Sports</a>

The Memphis Grizzlies defeat the Sacramento Kings.

Bane scores 31, Morant 22 as Grizzlies beat Kings 125-110

The <a href="https://twitter.com/GrizzliesPR/status/1585413685849513984" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Memphis Grizzlies announced</a> that second-year player Ziaire Williams will be sidelined for another 4-6 weeks as he continues to experience right knee soreness stemming from patellar tendinitis.
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The <a href="https://twitter.com/memgrizz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@memgrizz</a> today announced the following medical update for Ziaire Williams. <a href="https://t.co/DmYKaqrFnO">pic.twitter.com/DmYKaqrFnO</a>
&mdash; Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/GrizzliesPR/status/1585413685849513984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2022</a></blockquote>

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&nbsp;

The Memphis Grizzles will be without Ziaire Williams for another 4-6 weeks as he continues to deal with a sore knee.

Grizzlies' Ziaire Williams expected to miss another 4-6 weeks

Nekias Duncan previews the Mavericks, Rockets, Grizzlies, Pelicans and Spurs ahead of the 2022-23 NBA campaign.

2022-23 NBA Season Preview: Southwest Division

What stands out to you about this possession?
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If your eyes immediately go to Nikola Jovic &mdash; a skilled seven-footer that the Miami Heat are pretty excited about &mdash; initiating the offense, I wouldn't blame you.
If you're a stickler for process, it's fair to point out that the first action of the possession &mdash; a pitch to Marcus Garrett before flowing into a ball-screen &mdash; taking nearly 15 seconds to occur is less than ideal. It leads to Garrett trying and failing to beat Xavier Tillman off the bounce after forcing a switch, which then calls for Jovic to save the possession with a(nother) deep three.
But look at Haywood Highsmith.
While the Heat take their precious time getting into the possession, he's calling for Garrett to move closer to the right wing so his help defender can't park at the free-throw line. Spacing is the name of the game, and Highsmith has a strong understanding of it.
<img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screenshot_2022_10_08_20_24_08.png" alt="" width="578" height="325" />
Highsmith lifts to the right wing while the ball-screen happens, then retreats back to the corner once Jovic receives the ball. And while his defender, David Roddy, stares down the late-clock iso from Jovic, Highsmith loops into the paint in anticipation for the shot.
<img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screenshot_2022_10_08_20_28_13.png" alt="" width="578" height="325" />
Sure enough, the shot clanks off the right side of the rim. By doing his homework early, by remaining active off the ball, Highsmith goes from spacer to glass-cleaner before anyone can put a body on him. Two-possession game.
Highsmith continues to fly under the radar. You can track it back to his family; he's technically a junior, with his father &mdash; Haywood Highsmith Sr. &mdash; carving out a prolific college career <a href="https://fightingfalcons.com/honors/hall-of-fame/haywood-highsmith/74" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in his own right</a>.
"First and foremost, my parents were very supportive of me over the years," Highsmith told Basketball News during a phone interview. "My father grew up playing basketball; he was a Hall-of-Famer in college, so I basically learned the game from him."&nbsp;
The younger Haywood would have <a href="https://wucardinals.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/haywood-highsmith/3842" target="_blank" rel="noopener">productive college career</a> of his own. He shined at Wheeling University, a Division II school, starting three of his four years there. As a senior, Highsmith averaged 22 points (60.9% from two, 40.5% from three), 12.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.8 blocks.
It's been work since then. A two-way deal with the Philadelphia Sixers here; a two-year stretch in Germany there; G League reps in the interim. Highsmith has had to cycle through teams, schemes, roles and countries. But that amalgamtion of experiences has prepared him for this Heat run.
&ldquo;I don't view him as a young player," Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said after Friday night's win over the Memphis Grizzlies. "I understand he doesn't have an extensive NBA experience &mdash; but he's played some very good basketball in the G League. He has had to grind and earn everything and every opportunity that he&rsquo;s been given. He just continues to get better each year.
"He has also contributed on some very good winning teams in the G League, and he has been one of those glue guys for those teams. [That] was one of the things that appealed to us about him &mdash; and it was the fact that he makes winning plays and contributes to winning &mdash; and it does not necessarily always show up in the conventional box score. But he defends, has a knack for the ball [and] he is very good in the system."
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The biggest question surrounding the Heat entering this season has been some variation of, "Who starts alongside Bam Adebayo in the frontcourt?" We've seen Caleb Martin, another diamond-in-the-rough find, get reps at the 4. Adebayo himself has played the 4 alongside Omer Yurtseven. It probably won't be Jimmy Butler, who jokingly-yet-seriously shut down the prospect of it in training camp.
Keep an eye on Highsmith, once again flying under the radar. He's coming off of a productive showing at NBA Summer League where he was tasked with defending all over the floor, canning triples and occasionally keeping the offense flowing as a driver.
During preseason play, he's been sliding across the positional scale defensively. He saw time against Bryn Forbes (movement shooter), Austin Rivers (wing scorer), Taurean Prince (spacer, close-out attacker) and Eric Paschall (versatile 4). Against the Brooklyn Nets, he spent time against Kevin Durant and&nbsp;Ben Simmons. On Friday night against the Grizzlies, he saw time against Dillon Brooks, Ziaire Williams and even Xavier Tillman.&nbsp;
He didn't always fare well against those matchups, but he offers the archetype &mdash; rangy, active, physical, willing &mdash; that the Heat want if they decide to go smaller again.&nbsp;
Highsmith recently spoke to Basketball News about his qualifications at the 4, his influences as a player, what he's worked on this summer and more.
(This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.)
How would you describe your game to someone who isn't familiar with you?
Haywood Highsmith: "I'm just a versatile basketball player. I don't really have a set position; I'll go out there and play whatever the team needs me to play. It starts with defense, being able to guard multiple players. Offensively, I'd say I'm a good shooter, an underrated passer. I'm just a guy that does a little bit of everything on the floor &mdash; and plays hard."
I was going through some of your college and overseas film, and it looks like you have somewhat of a post game too. Do you feel like that's something you can utilize if opponents stash smaller players on you?
Highsmith: "When I was in college, I was a Division II player so I faced some smaller players from time to time. I was pretty dominant in the post with a right hook, spins and stuff like that. I was kind of a big man in college; now that I'm in the pros, I'm more of a hybrid. When I get mismatches, I could definitely use some of the moves I used to do back in my earlier days &mdash; take advantage of my size and length and get good shots against smaller opponents."
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Since you've been in the NBA, who are some players you've drawn from or learned from?
Highsmith:&nbsp;"When I was in Philly (2018-19 season), I did talk to Jimmy [Butler] from time to time. Obviously I'm with him now, so I've been able to learn more from him. With the Heat last year, P.J. [Tucker] taught me a lot about playing hard, doing the little things while on the court; you can affect winning in different ways.
"In the G-League, I'd say Shaq Harrison. He's been around the NBA for a minute, played for the Bulls &mdash; he's a really good player. Guys like that, you can a learn a lot from. They've been playing longer than me, and they have more knowledge than me as well."
You've discussed your dad playing on the college level. How has that shaped your game?
Highsmith:&nbsp;"My dad has been supporting me since I was a kid. I knew I'd grow up to play basketball; he played, we're both very tall. He pushed me to develop skills beyond what he had. He tries to tell me things I could do better; sometimes I listen, and sometimes I don't (laughs). I feel like I'm learning more on this side, but sometimes he does bring up good points."
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Whenever you do pour over game tape, what are the kind of things you look for?
Highsmith: "I try to pinpoint areas in which I can be better, then I look at the things I did well and see what I can be consistent with. It's not always about looking at the things you did wrong; it's important to see the things you did well and stay positive. I just try to soak it all in, honestly."
What's a specific area of your game that you looked to improve this past summer?
Highsmith:&nbsp;"Obviously, it starts with being in the best conditioning as possible. I feel like the Heat have really helped me with that. I've been with them all summer.
"Beyond that, I've worked on my ball-handling and being more consistent with my shot. I worked with Rob Fodor, the Heat's shooting coach. He's a really good guy, and has had me working on different things with my jumpshot. So, it's been a blend of skill work and getting in great shape."
On the jumper, have you made any tweaks to it, or has it been more about getting reps up?
Highsmith:&nbsp;"It's about having a one-motion jumper for me. I have to make sure I don't hold the ball up top. I want to have one fluid motion with my jumpshot."
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Last question for you. You've played D-II, played overseas, played in the G-League, and you have some NBA experience. What are some of the stylistic differences that you've seen across those leagues?
Highsmith:&nbsp;"Overseas, it's obviously a more physical game. I think the defense is harder because there's more ball movement.
"In the NBA, the players are more talented so the stars have the ball in their hands more. Overseas, they move the ball around. There are a lot of good passers. Some of the big men can really shoot, and can also pass the ball really well.&nbsp;
"But with the NBA, G-League, overseas, D-II &mdash; it's all just basketball at the end of the day. There are different levels and different skill sets; obviously, I had to make an adjustment coming from playing D-II. I was probably the best player on the court every practice, every game. When I came to the pros, I had to change spots. I had to learn how to adjust and find my niche. I feel like I've done a good job of that, being able to play alongside different types of players. It's different everywhere, but you just have to be able to adjust and adapt to different styles."
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Actually, one quick follow-up before I let you go. You mentioned the physicality overseas and, at least when I watch, there seems to be more of an emphasis on big-man play. Do you feel like there's less switching overseas? What are the differences in defensive schemes?
Highsmith:&nbsp;"Yeah. When I was overseas, a lot of teams would hedge on ball-screens. You'd have to be able to hit the short-roll with a pass, or swing a pass to the opposite wing so that guy could hit the player rolling.
"When I got over there, they asked me to hard hedge, which I'd never done before. It was hard for me to learn at first. But as I grew, they recognized that I was better at switching because I could guard multiple positions. It didn't make much sense for me to hedge and try to recover back to my man. I feel like switching is very easy to do, especially compared to something like hedging."

Nekias Duncan talks to Miami Heat forward Haywood Highsmith about his background, role, skill set and more.

Heat's Haywood Highsmith Q&A: Playing the 4, skill development, more

MILWAUKEE (AP) &mdash; Rookie David Roddy scored 18 points, two-way signee Kenny Lofton Jr. added 17 and the Memphis Grizzlies used a late run to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 107-102 on Saturday night in the opening preseason game for both teams.
Many of the star players for both teams didn&rsquo;t play. Milwaukee All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo, forward Khris Middleton and guard Joe Ingles, who came over from Utah in a late-season trade after he was injured, were among those not dressing. Even Milwaukee coach Mike Budenholzer was out, still recovering from offseason ankle surgery.
Leading scorer Ja Morant, backup Tyus Jones, center Steven Adams and starting guard Desmond Bane were among the Grizzlies who sat.
Jake LaRavia, another Memphis rookie, scored 15 points, while Santi Aldama scored 13. Ziaire Williams and rookie point guard Kennedy Chandler added 11 points each, Chandler handing out eight assists.
Jordan Nwora scored 21 points, while Grayson Allen and Sandro Mamukelashvili, under a two-way contract with Milwaukee, each finished with 15.
It was the first appearance for both teams after successful 2021-22 campaigns. The Bucks finished 51-31, good for third in the Eastern Conference, while Memphis had the second-best record in the NBA at 56-26.
Both teams were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the eventual conference champions &ndash; Golden State in the West and Boston in the East.
ADAMS EXTENDED
Earlier Saturday, the Grizzlies announced they have signed center Steven Adams to a multi-year extension.
Adams, who joined the Grizzlies before last season in a trade from New Orleans, averaged 6.9 points, 10.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists for Memphis.

David Roddy scored 18 points, Kenny Lofton Jr. added 17 and the Grizzlies used a late run to beat the Bucks 107-102 on Saturday.

Rookies lead Grizzlies over Bucks 107-102 in preseason opener

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) &mdash; All-Star point guard Ja Morant borrowed a professional camera for photos of his teammates, even turning the lens on reporters covering the Memphis Grizzlies' media day Monday.
Ziaire Williams, going into his second NBA season, used a disposable camera from the podium and asked everyone to smile.
Safe to say the young Memphis Grizzlies remain just as confident, hungry and yes, ready for the brighter lights that come with posting the NBA's second-best record followed by a run to the Western Conference semifinals.
That earned the Grizzlies many more national TV games, including the coveted Christmas night slot against the defending champs, the Golden State Warriors.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m extremely proud of our group on how serious, we took this offseason and how serious each individual took on themselves to get better, and it&rsquo;ll help us be a better team, as well as long as everybody improve," said Morant, the All-Star and NBA's Most Improved Player last season.
Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman made clear after <a href="https://apnews.com/article/milwaukee-bucks-memphis-grizzlies-golden-state-warriors-nba-sports-e489a3f8659878f25878897f85528b83" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Golden State ended Memphis' season in six games</a> &mdash; the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/memphis-grizzlies-golden-state-warriors-nba-sports-media-2a9aca3704eb84e7612c96fd808e284e" target="_blank" rel="noopener">last three without an injured Morant</a> &mdash; that money wouldn't stop him from keeping his core together. Gone are Kyle Anderson and De'Anthony Melton, replaced by veteran Danny Green and a trio of draft picks.
Kleiman also signed Morant to a <a href="https://apnews.com/article/memphis-grizzlies-nba-sports-9133154cdb4253d6dfebf0e68279b4c7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">five-year, supermax deal</a> after the point guard's third season, along with a deal for veteran guard Tyus Jones. Kleiman said they like to build through the draft and are confident in the players they've brought in.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re excited about what we did this offseason," Kleiman said.
JJJ UPDATE
The Grizzlies will start the season without Jaren Jackson Jr. Kleiman cleared up speculation on when Jackson suffered the stress fracture in his right foot Monday, noting Jackson was training somewhere else and immediately alerted team officials about the injury.
Memphis <a href="https://apnews.com/article/memphis-grizzlies-nba-sports-jaren-jackson-3ada4d806e6023bae47277cc09c0fbc9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">projected June 30</a> that Jackson would return within four to six months from surgery. Kleiman said the original timeframe has not changed for Jackson's return. Jackson told reporters he wouldn't be back for opening night Oct. 19 against the New York Knicks.
&ldquo;You'll like it,&rdquo; Jackson said of his return.
CONTRACT YEARS
The Grizzlies have a trio going into contract years in center Steven Adams, Dillon Brooks and forward Brandon Clarke. Kleiman said <a href="https://apnews.com/article/memphis-grizzlies-nba-sports-basketball-3a5646f4f496552a446219403a63d866" target="_blank" rel="noopener">earlier this year that money wouldn't be an issue</a> keeping the Memphis' core together.
Adams joked he didn't even know if he'd be starting when asked about the qualities he likes in a power forward playing beside him. Brooks wants to be available after being limited to 32 games last season by injuries. Clarke said he was afraid of saying the wrong thing, but made clear he wants to stay in Memphis.
&ldquo;We view them as potential long-term pieces of this group, and we'll see how this plays out,&rdquo; Kleiman said.
BREAKOUT CANDIDATE
The Grizzlies had three players receive votes for the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/memphis-grizzlies-nba-sports-ab99752f256668274bb16e1b325e6648" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA's Most Improved Player won by Morant</a> with Desmond Bane fifth and Jackson 10th.
Williams, who started 31 of 62 games played as a rookie, is a candidate with coaches telling him he'll be on the ball more. Guard-forward John Konchar is another option after his own three-year extension this offseason, and 6-foot-11 Santi Aldama is another.
GRIZZLIES GET YOUNGER
Memphis has six rookies in training camp led by a <a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-timberwolves-memphis-grizzlies-nba-sports-danny-green-63893451fa143de6240640cac243f1e5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">quartet of draft picks</a>. That includes forward Jake LaRavia out of Wake Forest, David Roddy from Colorado State and guard Kennedy Chandler, a Memphis native who played in college at Tennessee.
The Grizzlies also have an intriguing prospect in Kenneth Lofton Jr., a 6-8, 275-pound forward out of Louisiana Tech who impressed during summer league.
HELLO DANNY
The Grizzlies have had a bunch of veterans who never made it to Memphis in previous years, including <a href="https://apnews.com/article/d8e2365da84a12c0e0db7e3a4e82b790" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Andre Iguodala who never dressed for them</a> before being traded to Miami in February 2020.
Green, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-timberwolves-memphis-grizzlies-nba-sports-danny-green-63893451fa143de6240640cac243f1e5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">acquired draft night in a trade</a>, will be sticking around. Green says some teams didn't think he could be back at any point this season coming off a knee injury in mid-May. He said both he and Memphis think he can be back when it matters most and also help these young Grizzlies with his experience.
&nbsp;

Ja Morant and the young Memphis Grizzlies and hungrier than ever entering the 2022-23 NBA season.

Young Grizzlies still cocky, hungrier after semifinals loss

As we slowly approach NBA training camps across the league, a possible new suitor has emerged in the Kevin Durant sweepstakes: the Memphis Grizzlies.
<a href="https://theathletic.com/3526628/2022/08/22/kevin-durant-donovan-mitchell-trade-talk-shams/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania of The Athletic</a> reports that the Grizzlies have recently made inquiries about trading for the Brooklyn Nets star. The team has plenty of assets to use in a deal including four unprotected first-round draft picks and a 2024 protected Golden State along with young players including Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, Ziaire Williams and Brandon Clarke.
Charania points out that immediately after Durant had requested a trade that Grizzlies star point guard Ja Morant put out a pro-Durant tweet.
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easy money
&mdash; Ja Morant (@JaMorant) <a href="https://twitter.com/JaMorant/status/1542581232210513920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2022</a></blockquote>

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At this point, Memphis does not "appear inclined to include Jackson or Bane in a potential offer for Durant, sources said, but rather a package built around their bevy of draft picks," <a href="https://theathletic.com/3526628/2022/08/22/kevin-durant-donovan-mitchell-trade-talk-shams/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to Charania</a>.
He added that the Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat are still seen as the favorites to land Durant. However, the Celtics are currently not willing to include Marcus Smart or Robert Williams in a package while the Raptors will not include 2022 Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes in any proposal.

A new report states that the Memphis Grizzlies are the latest team to have shown interest in trading for Brooklyn Nets' star Kevin Durant.

Shams: Memphis Grizzlies latest team showing interest in Kevin Durant

Is the NBA ready to add an expansion team? Evan Sidery explores what kind of team you could build in a present-day expansion draft.

NBA Expansion Mock Draft: What would a new expansion team look like?

Thursday's NBA Summer League action brought even more breakout stars as more NBA teams rest their top young talent.&nbsp;
We had healthy double-doubles, game-winners and undrafted surprises throughout the day. So why waste time harping on those who struggled when we can highlight those who excelled?
Instead of the usual "Studs and Duds," I'm going all-in with 10 studs for today's recap.
Take a look at the wide variety of impact players from another great day of hoops:
JD Davison, Boston Celtics
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JD Davison was EVERYWHERE for the <a href="https://twitter.com/celtics?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@celtics</a> in their <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBA2K23SummerLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBA2K23SummerLeague</a> win!<a href="https://twitter.com/jddavison10?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jddavison10</a>: 28 PTS, 5 REB, 10 AST, 3 STL, 4 3PM <a href="https://t.co/R6aTEI6J4x">pic.twitter.com/R6aTEI6J4x</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1547704239383687170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Box score stats: 28 points, 10 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 9/14 FG, 4/6 3PT
Davison hasn't played poorly by any stretch, showing great passing instincts and active, if a bit reckless, defense. But he was missing a breakout scoring performance, and it all came together beautifully against Memphis. He drilled four triples, including some off the dribble, which is an exciting sign considering Davison has struggled from deep throughout most of his hoops career.
He also attacked when he wanted to and displayed impressive chemistry on lobs with Bostons' bigs. The energy Davison brings to the court is electric, and so when he's on his game, he truly dazzles the audience.&nbsp;
Blake Wesley, San Antonio Spurs
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Good call! Here's the Blake Wesley sequence, starting to show some great passing instincts. <a href="https://t.co/hHIPzO74yc">https://t.co/hHIPzO74yc</a> <a href="https://t.co/de45kaVwwd">pic.twitter.com/de45kaVwwd</a>
&mdash; Aram Cannuscio (@AC__Hoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/AC__Hoops/status/1547677023807500288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Box score stats: 20 points, 6 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, 8/17 FG, 2/3 3PT
Wesley has admittedly been snubbed from a few of these daily roundups. He gets his moment here with another great performance as a lead playmaker. Wesley dished out skip passes, transition dump-offs and connecting feeds, as he's done all summer for San Antonio. He also showed improved efficiency as a self-creator after some rougher shooting splits. If you're picking a value 2022 Draft pick off of Summer League alone -- which I strongly advise not to do, but anyway -- Wesley might be the one.
Dalen Terry, Chicago Bulls
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Fantastic sequence on both ends from Dalen Terry. As long as he continues to cut and plays the defense we know he's capable of, he'll have an important role. <a href="https://t.co/yJuNisfI4F">pic.twitter.com/yJuNisfI4F</a>
&mdash; Aram Cannuscio (@AC__Hoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/AC__Hoops/status/1547706447030472704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Box score stats: 20 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 8/12 FG, 2/2 3PT
Like with Wesley, I've been close to sticking Terry on the "Studs" list multiple times, and he finally breaks through here. Terry hit both spot-up attempts from distance and capitalized on some timely cuts. His passing didn't shine in this game, but Terry has shown fun court vision throughout Summer League.
Terry continues to be at his best on defense with his length, and also used that length to finish off a tough bucket through contact. His defensive acumen and passing give him a stable floor, and these scoring moments hint at the upside for the first-round rookie.
Deuce McBride, New York Knicks
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Deuce drives baseline and finds Feron Hunt cutting down the lane then jumps the hand-off and finishes on the other end. Fantastic sequence from Deuce McBride and the Knicks start another Summer League game on a run. <a href="https://t.co/DYxsbo1lQb">pic.twitter.com/DYxsbo1lQb</a>
&mdash; Aram Cannuscio (@AC__Hoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/AC__Hoops/status/1547727894205517824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Box score stats: 23 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 9/13 FG, 1/3 3PT
McBride is already an exemplary pull-up and perimeter shooter. We saw this on display against the Magic, but we also got to see him play a bit more aggressively as a driver. McBride took two attempts to the basket, hit two floaters, and had a nice jump stop turn into a fadeaway score. He still doesn't get all the way to the hoop quite as much as you'd like. However, he's improving his confidence attacking, in addition to the rest of his positive moments on both ends.
Tommy Kuhse, Orlando Magic
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Tommy Kuhse still a bucket <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MagicSummer?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MagicSummer</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/AdventHealth?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AdventHealth</a> <a href="https://t.co/1rkKf1o1sG">pic.twitter.com/1rkKf1o1sG</a>
&mdash; Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) <a href="https://twitter.com/OrlandoMagic/status/1547733787932405764?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Box score stats: 25 points, 4 assists, 5 steals, 11/15 FG, 3/5 3PT
As a 24-year-old, undrafted graduate student from St. Mary's, Kuhse carried little expectation into Las Vegas, but he broke out with Thursday's performance. He was methodical with his offensive possessions, taking advantage of space and driving lanes the defense gave him. Kuhse relocated for open threes, probed for mid-range pull-ups and attacked for layups. He also frequently found himself in the right place at the right time for steals.
Moses Wright, Dallas Mavericks
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Moses Wright is everywhere today for the Mavs. Hits the trailing C&amp;S 3 and then in the next possession dunks home the put-back! <a href="https://t.co/MFhjxiuAwf">pic.twitter.com/MFhjxiuAwf</a>
&mdash; Aram Cannuscio (@AC__Hoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/AC__Hoops/status/1547754212968132609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Box score stats: 26 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 10/16 FG, 1/1 3PT
Wright overpowered the Bucks, who could not match his physicality in the frontcourt. He did damage rolling to the basket on hand-offs and screens against a Milwaukee defense that was consistently late getting over to help. Wright also knocked down a three-pointer as a trailer and battled on the boards. The 6-foot-9 big man played 14 combined minutes with the Clippers and Mavericks last season and mostly suited up for the Agua Caliente (now Ontario) Clippers in the G League. Dallas should want to hang onto Wright as a physical presence.
Lindell Wigginton, Milwaukee Bucks
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Lindell Wigginton &amp; Sandro Mamukelashvili combined for 44 points while both shooting better than 50% from the field in the <a href="https://twitter.com/Bucks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Bucks</a> win!<a href="https://twitter.com/Lwigginton5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Lwigginton5</a>: 25 PTS, 4 AST, 3 STL<a href="https://twitter.com/Mamukelashvili5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mamukelashvili5</a>: 19 PTS, 6 REB, 2 STL <a href="https://t.co/Xb6R8iMB2e">pic.twitter.com/Xb6R8iMB2e</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1547770570871169024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Box score stats: 25 points, 4 assists, 3 steals, 8/14 FG, 2/5 3PT
Wigginton has been rock-solid all week, and this was another stellar performance for a player who deserves a long-term home. His smooth scoring and creative passing have been present in several games. Wigginton also jumped passing lanes to create steals and displayed some quality defensive activity. He appeared in 19 games for the Bucks last season, and hopefully Milwaukee recognizes how valuable the second-year player can be to their guard depth.
Tyson Etienne, Atlanta Hawks
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Tyson Etienne For the Win! <a href="https://t.co/B4mXrUpwOU">pic.twitter.com/B4mXrUpwOU</a>
&mdash; Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATLHawks/status/1547698906078711812?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Etienne's got some serious range. The 22-year-old canned several triples from well beyond the arc with confidence. But his biggest moment came at the rim, when Etienne exploded on a drive to the basket and finished an off-balance layup to win the game 87-86 against the Spurs. A 6-foot-2 guard who went undrafted this June, Etienne brings a fun mix of speed and shooting, and I'd imagine the Hawks want to keep him around in some capacity.
Keon Johnson, Portland Trail Blazers
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Buckets and efficiency! Keon Johnson piled on the points in the <a href="https://twitter.com/trailblazers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@trailblazers</a> win 🏀<a href="https://twitter.com/iamkeonjohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iamkeonjohnson</a>: 25 PTS (8-13 FGM), 4 REB, 4 3PM <a href="https://t.co/lKwtpLcBbe">pic.twitter.com/lKwtpLcBbe</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1547788742773002240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Box score stats: 25 points, 4 rebounds, 8/13 FG, 4/8 3PT
Johnson still has peaks and valleys as a creator, but man, are the flashing exciting. His confidence is rising as a pull-up shooting, and Johnson knocked down some threes when defenses played him conservatively. He remains an electric player in the open court and a constant threat to attack and throw down a massive dunk. Consistency is everything with the 2021 first-round pick at this stage, but it's great to see meaningful progression in his scoring development.&nbsp;
Day'Ron Sharpe, Brooklyn Nets
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Day'Ron Sharpe: Return to Sender 📨 Live Now on ESPN <a href="https://t.co/k8oWGnX0Iy">pic.twitter.com/k8oWGnX0Iy</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1547769318615556099?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
Box score stats: 20 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks, 3 assists, 8/10 FG, 1/2 3PT
Sharpe was an absolute monster in Brooklyn's dominant win to close the night. His four blocks included one impressive play where he stuck to Minnesota's Josh Minott on a drive and stuffed a long-reaching layup attempt. The center held his own on multiple switches and was more mobile than I expected him to be.
Sharpe's passing is one of his hallmark skills, and he showcased it on one eyebrow-raising whip pass out of the post to David Duke Jr. in the opposite corner. He flashed some savvy as a low-post scorer and even knocked down a corner three. Cam Johnson has rightfully gotten much of the Summer League attention out of Brooklyn, but Sharpe's game was one of the best by a Nets player this week.
Other notable performers: Cam Johnson (Nets), RJ Nembhard Jr. (Cavaliers), Trevion Williams (Celtics), Ziaire Williams (Grizzlies), Kennedy Chandler (Grizzlies), Kenny Lofton Jr. (Grizzlies), Quentin Grimes (Knicks), Jericho Sims (Knicks), Sandro Mamukelashvili (Bucks), Jerrick Harding (Mavericks), Jabari Smith Jr. (Rockets), Tari Eason (Rockets)

JD Davison, Deuce McBride and Tommy Kuhse highlighted the standout games from Thursday.

10 studs from Day 8 of NBA Summer League in Las Vegas

JD Davison had 28 points and 10 assists, Juhann Begarin added 19 points and the Boston Celtics beat the Memphis Grizzlies 108-91 on Thursday for their third straight victory in the NBA Summer League.
Davison, the 53rd pick in the draft, made 5 of 6 field goals in the first half and scored 19 points to help Boston (3-1) take a 51-39 lead. Davison finished 9 of 14 overall, including 4 of 6 from 3-point range.
Justin Jackson added 16 points, Brodric Thomas had 13, and Trevion Williams finished with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Ziaire Williams scored 21 points for Memphis (2-2). David Roddy and Kenny Lofton Jr. each had 16 points. The Grizzlies were just 3 of 20 from distance.
HAWKS 87, SPURS 86
Tyson Etienne scored 18 of his 21 points in the second half, including a <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1547700565617938437">go-ahead layup with 14.3 seconds left</a>, and Atlanta handed San Antonio its fourth straight loss.
Atlanta (2-2) scored 14 straight points to make it 85-81 with two minutes remaining.
Sharife Cooper added 15 points and Tyrese Martin scored 13 for Atlanta.
Blake Wesley scored 20 points for San Antonio (0-4).
CAVALIERS 82, PISTONS 79
Cameron Young scored 15 points, RJ Nembhard Jr. added 14 and Cleveland beat Detroit.
Stanley Umude made a layup with 58 seconds left to give Detroit its first lead, 77-76, since 7-5. Ochai Agbaji made two free throws at the other end as Cleveland retook the lead with 45.3 left. The Cavaliers made 6 of 6 free throws in the final minute and Young blocked a 3-point attempt in the final seconds.
Agbaji had 12 points and seven rebounds for Cleveland (2-2).
Jules Bernard scored 14 points for Detroit (2-2).
The Pistons missed their first 12 3-pointers until Braxton Key beat the halftime buzzer to cut Cleveland's lead to 45-26. The Pistons had 13 turnovers and just 10 field goals in the first half.
BULLS 89, HORNETS 73
Dalen Terry scored 20 points, Marko Simonovic had 17 points, 13 rebounds and four assists and Chicago eased past Charlotte.
Malcolm Hill and Makur Maker each scored 11 points for Chicago (3-1).
Bryce McGowens led Charlotte (2-2) with 15 points. Jalen Crutcher and JT Thor had 10 points apiece.
KNICKS 102, MAGIC 89
Miles McBride had 23 points and five assists, Quentin Grimes scored 22 with six rebounds and New York breezed past Orlando.
Jericho Sims, the only pick the Knicks (3-1) haven't traded away in the last two drafts, added 12 points and 10 rebounds. New York, which will have three protected first-round picks in next year's draft, chose Sims with the 58th selection (out of 60) in the 2021 draft.
Tommy Kuhse had 25 points and five steals to pace the Magic (2-2). Justin James scored 16 and Zavier Simpson added 10 points and nine assists.
Paolo Banchero, the top pick in this year's draft, was among eight Orlando players who did not play.
BUCKS 100, MAVERICKS 89
Lindell Wigginton scored 25 points, Sandro Mamukelashvili added 19 and Milwaukee eased past Dallas.
Milwaukee (3-1) first-rounder MarJon Beauchamp &mdash; 24th overall and the Bucks' only pick &mdash; finished with 11 points, four rebounds and four assists.
Moses Wright led Dallas (0-4) with 26 points and 11 rebounds. Jerrick Harding added 16 points and five assists.
TRAIL BLAZERS 85, ROCKETS 77
Keon Johnson hit four 3-pointers and scored 25 to lead Portland over Houston.
Second-round pick Jabari Walker had nine points and nine rebounds for Blazers (3-1).
No. 3 overall pick Jabari Smith Jr. had 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Rockets. Tari Eason &mdash; the 17th pick &mdash; added 17 points and seven boards. Daishen Nix scored 15.
NETS 102, TIMBERWOLVES 83
Cam Thomas scored 26 points, Day'Ron Sharpe added 20 points and 10 rebounds and Brooklyn rolled to a win over Minnesota.
Thomas made four 3-pointers for the Nets (2-2). Sharpe sank 8 of 10 shots and grabbed four offensive boards. David Duke Jr. totaled 16 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Kessler Edwards scored 15 with nine rebounds.
Wendell Moore Jr. led the Timberwolves (1-3) with 16 points. Josh Minott had 14 points and 12 rebounds. Kevon Harris and Terrell Brown Jr. each scored 10.

JD Davison had 28 points and 10 assists in Boston's third straight win in Summer League.

JD Davison leads Celtics past Grizzlies in Summer League play

Different players deserve different standards of "outstanding" success at NBA Summer League based on their experiences in professional basketball.
For rookies, the first summer is about showcasing your strengths and flashing tools that we may not have seen in their respective prior systems. The bar gets raised for sophomores and veterans, particularly those who have already unveiled their talents in an NBA regular season.&nbsp;
In my opinion, simply repeating what we know about a player's game doesn't signal they're ready for the next step up at the NBA level. I want to see a leap somewhere. Maybe that's a strength become impossibly dominant within the confines of Las Vegas, or maybe it's a new skill showing up that we haven't seen in past seasons.&nbsp;
The point is that it takes more for a guy like Cam Thomas to wow me. Thomas dropped 29 points on Tuesday, going 9-for-19 from the floor and 11-for-13 from the free-throw line. His effort was very similar to his inefficient, free-throw-driven outing on Sunday. Thomas showcasing his knack for getting to the line and scoring in bunches is great, but for a second-year, first-round pick, I want to see something else that I can visualize him carrying to the Nets' full roster.
Thomas did not make my Studs list today even though he logged a strong game. Here are the guys who did:
STUDS
Carlik Jones, Chicago Bulls
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Box Score Stats: 17 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 7/7 FG, 2/2 3PT
The Bulls opened Tuesday's slate against the Raptors, and Jones delivered an effortless performance. Everything felt anticipatory, but not forced, with how he played on offense. Jones capitalized on the space he found, pinning defenders on his hip twice to convert floaters. He had David Johnson skating on the in the above play before finishing at the rim, and later even beat a recover attempt from Christian Koloko.&nbsp;
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I'm giving Jones a double-clip because this pass was so sweet. He knows Jeff Dowtin has to try and cover two passing lanes at once, so as Jones drives, he looks Dowtin off toward the wing shooter and then dimes a no-look pass to Malcolm Hill for three. Just gorgeous.
Santi Aldama, Memphis Grizzlies
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Santi Aldama masterclass in Vegas tonight for the <a href="https://twitter.com/memgrizz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@memgrizz</a> 😤 - 31 PTS - 9 REBS - 3 BLKS - 12/14 FG <a href="https://t.co/eKtRQc1CD7">pic.twitter.com/eKtRQc1CD7</a>
&mdash; NBA TV (@NBATV) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/1547019100274118656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
Box Score Stats: 31 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks, 12/14 FG, 4/5 FG
Aldama needs chill out before I dangerously overreact to his last two Summer League outings. The second-year forward frequently shared the court with Xavier Tillman, who typically drew the opposing center as a matchup. This left Aldama to feast on smaller players. He's much stronger than most people realized, and easily sealed off defenders for interior buckets. We also saw several instances of Aldama as a cutter. His long-range shot finally started to fall as well.&nbsp;
Then on defense, we saw Aldama work as a drop defender and help on ice and trap possessions. He sent back three separate driving attempts from three guards and wings. When Aldama puts things all together, he's a pretty terrifying two-way presence. We'll see if it translates past Summer League.
Ziaire Williams, Memphis Grizzlies
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Box Score Stats: 14 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 6/11 FG, 2/3 3PT
Other Grizzlies might have better box scores, but I was floored by Ziaire Williams as a playmaker as I watched this game in person. We didn't get to see much of Williams on the ball during his rookie season, for obvious reasons. But he was the lead faciliator for most of the Grizzlies' dominant win. These two dimes stuck out, and Williams threw several other impressive passes that did not turn into assists.&nbsp;
Then as a scorer, Williams methodically sought out his spot. He didn't shy away from contact and also hit a pair of pull-up threes. This is what Summer League is all about: giving players the freedom to experiment and seeing new aspects of their games flourish.&nbsp;
Tyrese Martin, Atlanta Hawks
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Tyrese Martin hit the "too small" after the finish 🤣 Martin has 21 to lead all scorers 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/Z0TBq4Yk5M">pic.twitter.com/Z0TBq4Yk5M</a>
&mdash; NBA TV (@NBATV) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/1547021506999267328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Box Score Stats: 21 points, 6 rebounds, 9/14 FG, 2/5 3PT
Man, Martin is such a physical, tough player. He consistently powered through contact and shot contests from a tough Miami Heat defense and finished around the basket. Martin doesn't have the flashiest handles or quickest first step, but he can change speeds when he wants to and use his functional strength to ward off defenders. Martin was picked No. 51 overall by Atlanta in this year's draft, and they should feel good about the choice after this performance.
Mfiondu Kabengele, Boston Celtics
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Put it up and Mfiondu Kabengele will go get it! <a href="https://t.co/1J3PXvoD7Q">pic.twitter.com/1J3PXvoD7Q</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1547037100503080970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Box Score Stats:&nbsp;20 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, 6/11 FG, 1/4 3PT
Kabengele has been a miniature revelation as a massive interior presence so far. On Tuesday, he battled inside against James Wiseman and owned the glass. Kabengele starred as a lob threat and roller for Boston and displayed an easy chemistry with second-round pick JD Davison.
He also picked up four assists, and while they weren't highlight-reel passes, Kabengele clearly has a solid foundation as a connector within an offense. He's a former first-round pick from 2019, and I think Kabengele has shown enough in Summer League to at least warrant a reserve roster spot with the Celtics.
Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors
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James Wiseman nice find to Jonathan Kuminga who jump stops and dunks it for the Warriors. <a href="https://t.co/pc0aZzyuiX">pic.twitter.com/pc0aZzyuiX</a>
&mdash; Aram Cannuscio (@AC__Hoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/AC__Hoops/status/1547027600723304450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2022</a></blockquote>

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Box Score Stats: 29 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block, 11/22 FG, 2/7 3PT
This hasn't been the easiest Summer League stint for Kuminga since Golden State has thrust more on-ball responsibilities onto him. He struggled again to open Tuesday's matchup against the Celtics but started to find a rhythm as the game wore on. On successful scores, Kuminga could almost probe into the middle of the paint as defenders backed into the restricted area to contain his drives. Then Kuminga could face up, post up or just shoot a short jumper.
Of course, he threw down a couple of monster dunks off of short rolls or cuts, like the one above. Kuminga is still best used off the ball, but I do think we saw noteworthy progress from the No. 7 pick as a self-creator.
Other notable performers: Dalano Banton (Raptors), Jeff Dowtin (Raptors), David Roddy (Grizzlies), Kenneth Lofton Jr. (Grizzlies), Cam Thomas (Nets) Chaundee Brown (Hawks), Justin Jackson (Celtics), Brodric Thomas (Celtics), Moses Moody (Warriors), Gui Santos (Warriors), Bennedict Mathurin (Pacers), Buddy Boeheim (Pistons), Jerrick Harding (Suns), Olivier Sarr (Suns), Mason Jones (Lakers)
DUDS
James Wiseman, Golden State Warriors
Box Score Stats: 6 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks, 3/9 FG, 0/1 3PT
There's already so much noise around Wiseman and his career to date, so I hope people aren't seriously weighing his first games back &mdash;&nbsp;which also happen to be inconsequential Summer League games. Wiseman did not play extremely well, but he was not horrendous, and did block three shots while serving as a rim deterrent on several possessions. So while I am critiquing other areas, there's no need to pile onto this guy.
Wiseman did not pressure Boston on offense. He barely received chances to create, though it should be noted this Warriors roster seriously lacks quality passers. When he did, it was often a quick face-up jumper. He weirdly short-rimmed two easy baseline attempts, and his three-point shots were well off. This is not an ideal setting for Wiseman to make an impression, and unfortunately, he hasn't yet.
Max Christie, Los Angeles Lakers
Box Score Stats: 8 points, 2 rebounds, 3/12 FG, 2/6 3PT
Not to be all annoying about Summer League rotations, but I'm moderately surprised Christie is starting over Mason Jones. Jones has rocked off the bench and probably needs the mintues for the sake of his next career move. Christie is entrenched with the Lakers and has not played nearly as well.
The second-round rookie shot 1-for-6 inside the arc. He failed to create separation on any of his driving attempts, and tried this runner that was not falling. Christie's offensive game is going to be a development project for the Lakers, and he seems pretty far away right now.
Jaden Hardy, Dallas Mavericks
Box Score Stats: 11 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 4/15 FG, 2/5 3PT
Since Hardy scored 28 points in his Summer League debut, the second-round pick has gone 4-for-15 in back-to-back contests. He reached his pull-up spots with relative ease, but just didn't have the touch against the Suns. Hardy had a more difficult time creating for himself at the rim; Phoenix swarmed him, and he was not a threat to kick out. The pre-draft concerns about Hardy's streaky scoring, and how he counterbalances that on offense, felt apparent aftet this game.
Jason Preston, Los Angeles Clippers
Box Score Stats: 7 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 2/7 FG, 0/1 3PT
Preston was one of my favorite players coming out of the 2021 NBA Draft. His processing as a facilitator, court vision and two-way effort still make him someone on my watch list from the second round. But Preston will have to overcome some limited athletic tools to be successful, particularly after missing all of last season due to foot surgery. He struggles to create separation for himself. This means he can't open up windows to score or collapse defenses and manifest passing lanes. It puts a ton of pressure on Preston as a shotmaker and passer.

Santi Aldama, Jonathan Kuminga, Ziaire Williams and Tyrese Martin headlined Tuesday's standouts in Las Vegas.