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The victory over the Eastern Conference leaders guarantees the “grizzly” at least ninth place in the regular season and an additional series with the eighth team for a playoff spot.
J.Valančiūnas was just unstoppable on Thursday night.
Lithuania scored 26 points in 33 minutes (9/14 doubles, 2/3 shots, 2/2 penalties), bounced up to 19 balls and gave 12 assists. He also blocked the shot, made 3 mistakes and fouled.
VIDEO: J.Valančiūnas triple double
This is J.Valančiūnas’ first triple-double in his career. While the Lithuanian tall man was on the field, the Grizzlies scored 18 more points than their competitors.
The 28-year-old Lithuanian received the match ball after the match. Interestingly, his record had 5 assists in the past. JV played the 559th game of his NBA career.
Ja Morantas also scored a triple-double, with 12 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists.
Dillon Brooks, who scored 31 points, was the most productive in Memphis.
It was the first time in Grizzlies history that even two basketball players had triple-doubles in a single game.
Giannis Antetokounmpo couldn’t help Bucks when he hit his opponent’s head in his last game and earned himself a one-game disqualification.
“It was a great victory,” Morant said. “I’m ready for the next game.”
A short series of replays will begin on Saturday, bringing the eighth and ninth place teams together at the conference. The ninth team will have to win twice in a row to reach the playoffs, and one victory will be enough for the eighth team.
The winners of the small series will meet in the Los Angeles Lakers playoffs. The Grizzlies haven’t played in the playoffs for the past two seasons.
Grizzlies: D. Brooksas 31, J.Valančiūnas 26 (19th ed., 12th ed.), J.Morantas 12 (13th ed., 10th ed.), K. Anderson and B. Clarke ‘as after 10 o’clock.
Dollars: B. Lopez 19 (9th ed.), F. Masonas 18, D. DiVincenzo 17.
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