The Memphis Grizzlies may want to consider skipping the halftime break.
Going into Wednesday night’s game against the Brooklyn Nets, the Grizzlies have struggled to maintain their defensive intensity coming out of the locker room. Third quarters have been an issue.
In a second-half collapse against the visiting Chicago Bulls on Monday, Memphis allowed 39 points in the third quarter. The breakdown helped the Bulls come back from 20 points down.
The Grizzlies also surrendered 39 points in the third period to the host Houston Rockets last week. Even the team’s wins against the Jazz and Magic have included third quarters of allowing at least 35 points.
Suffice to say, Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins will be seeking a course correction against the Nets.
“Our third quarters have been terrible to start the season,” Jenkins said. “We’ve got to clean this up.”
Memphis led the Bulls by 14 at the half, but the margin shriveled to 97-93 with 24 seconds left in the troublesome third quarter.
“I’ve got to go back and study a little bit more and dive into conversations with the guys of why we’re not getting what we need in the third quarter,” Jenkins said. “We were getting stops in the first half (against the Bulls). We held them to 54 points.”
Without getting defensive stops, one of Memphis’ strengths is neutralized.
“We can’t run if we’re not getting stops,” Jenkins said.
Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane said the Memphis offense is fueled by its defense.
“If we’re not containing guys and keeping guys square and paying attention to the game plan, it’s going to be hard to finish possessions,” Bane said.
Memphis played without two-time All-Star guard Ja Morant on Monday. He missed the game with right thigh soreness and is questionable against Brooklyn. Rookie center Zach Edey (right calf soreness), who is averaging 16 minutes per game, also is questionable.
The Nets are coming off a 144-139 loss in overtime to the visiting Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night. Dennis Schroder maintained his torrid start by posting 28 points and 14 rebounds. Schroder is averaging 22.5 points per game.
Cam Thomas has been better. His 26 points were his lowest total of the season, and he is still averaging 28.5 through four games.
Still, Thomas’ point total could have been more, according to Nets coach Jordi Fernandez.
“I know the NBA will do their job (and eventually give him favorable calls),” Fernandez said. “I think it’s human nature to give (superstars) the calls. At some point they’ll have to look at CT — all our guys — the same way.”
Brooklyn posted an impressive 115-102 win over Milwaukee on Sunday, but the Nets have been hampered by injuries.
Ben Simmons (back), who is not going to be playing in back-to-back games in the near future, did not play Tuesday and is expected back Wednesday. Nic Claxton, who missed the preseason with a hamstring injury, played 26 minutes on Tuesday and will not play against Memphis, per Claxton’s “rest and recovery,” according to Fernandez.
