The Memphis Grizzlies delivered one of their most dominant performances of the season on sunday night, securing a 119–96 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Memphis built momentum early, capitalizing on a powerful first-half surge led by Santi Aldama, who finished with 22 points, showcasing his versatility and offensive rhythm.
Strong First Half Sets the Tone
The Grizzlies came out aggressive from the opening tip, quickly establishing control over the tempo. Their offensive spacing and ball movement allowed them to create high-percentage shots, while their defense limited Portland’s scoring opportunities.
- Santi Aldama led the charge with his season-best performance, sinking shots from beyond the arc and finishing strong near the rim.
- Jaylen Wells added 17 points, providing crucial scoring depth off the bench.
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, known for his defensive hustle, also contributed 17 points, including several timely buckets that kept the Grizzlies ahead comfortably.
By halftime, Memphis had already built a double-digit lead that Portland struggled to recover from.
Balanced Team Effort
Beyond the top scorers, the Grizzlies demonstrated cohesive team play:
- Effective ball distribution created open looks throughout the game.
- Multiple players stepped up defensively, forcing turnovers that led to fast-break points.
- The frontcourt controlled the boards, limiting second-chance opportunities for the Trail Blazers.
This well-rounded performance allowed Memphis to maintain its commanding lead deep into the fourth quarter.
Portland Struggles to Keep Pace
The Trail Blazers, despite flashes of energy, could not generate enough offense to match Memphis. Their shooting inconsistencies, combined with defensive lapses, allowed the Grizzlies to extend the gap repeatedly. Portland’s inability to counter Memphis’ early run ultimately sealed their fate.
Looking Ahead
This win marks another step in the right direction for the Grizzlies as they continue to build rhythm and chemistry in the season. With Aldama emerging as a reliable scoring option and strong contributions from role players like Wells and Caldwell-Pope, Memphis appears determined to climb the Western Conference standings.
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