Grizzlies Snap Nets’ Five-Game Winning Streak
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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.- Lorenzen Wright and Jason Williams each scored 20 points and the Memphis Grizzlies shot 70% in the first half to end the Nets’ five-game winning streak with a 105-96 victory last night.
James Posey added 12, Bonzi Wells had 11, and Earl Watson and Pau Gasol each had 10 as Memphis won for the ninth time in 12 games.
Vince Carter led the Nets with 22, Nenad Krstic had 21, and Rodney Buford 15. Jason Kidd had 12 points and 12 assists.
Watson hit a 3-pointer with 6:04 remaining to make it 88-84, Cliff Robinson missed a 3-point heave on New Jersey’s next possession, and the Nets sagged. Gasol hit consecutive baskets on a layup and a hook shot as the Grizzlies ran off 10 straight points for a 95-84 lead.
Memphis, ahead by one entering the fourth, threatened to break the game open with 9-2 run to start the period for an 83-75 lead. Wells led the way with four points in the run. The Nets battled back on consecutive 3-pointers by Kidd and Carter to trim the Memphis lead to two.
The Grizzlies shot exceptionally well in the first period (10-of-14 from the field, including 4-of-6 from 3-point range) but held only a 26-24 lead. The Nets rallied late, scoring the final seven points of the period as Robinson and Buford hit 3-pointers.
The Nets eventually opened a 36-28 lead, but Memphis stayed close behind 10 second-quarter points from Williams.
The Nets’ bench kept them in the game as Buford matched Williams with 10 points in the period, including an 18-foot jumper with 0.6 seconds remaining that gave the Nets a 55-53 lead at the half.
The game remained close throughout the third quarter with three lead changes and three ties. Miller hit a 3-pointer to give Memphis a 74-73 lead at the end of the period.
Nets coach Lawrence Frank has no timetable for the return of forward Richard Jefferson (ruptured left wrist ligament) and guard Ron Mercer (lower back strain).
“He continues to rehab, but it’s going to be a lengthy process,” Frank said of Jefferson. Mercer receives treatment from a chiropractor and a physical therapist.
