Memphis Grizzlies struggle to contain Warriors' Jonathan Kuminga, suffer 4th straight loss
The Memphis Grizzlies' crop of young talent wasn't able to catch the Golden State Warriors off guard again.
Two weeks after upsetting the Warriors on MLK Day, the Grizzlies faced the tough task of repeating that effort on Friday. Initially, they looked like they were up to the task. But then the second quarter happened.
The Warriors went on a 23-9 run and built a double-digit halftime lead. Memphis played from behind from that point on and was unable to overcome the deficit in a 121-101 loss Friday night at FedExForum.
Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies (18-31) with 27 points. Jacob Gilyard got the start at point guard and made a career-high five 3-pointers.
The Warriors (21-24) were led by forward Jonathan Kuminga, who finished with 29 points on 11-for-15 shooting. Steph Curry added 20 points and four made 3-pointers.
Here are some takeaways from the game.
Luke Kennard, Derrick Rose return
The Grizzlies got good injury news on Friday with the return of two key veterans. Derrick Rose and Luke Kennard came off the bench and both players were monitored closely on a minutes restriction. But Kennard's shooting and Rose's penetration and playmaking should give the struggling offense a boost. Rose scored 12 points and led the bench with four assists. Kennard knocked down two 3-pointers.
Xavier Tillman Sr. remained out for the second straight game due to left knee soreness. Tosan Evbuomwan made his Grizzlies debut and made a 3-pointer while playing 15 minutes. Fellow 10-day contract player Trey Jemison did not play, and Matthew Hurt entered the game only in garbage time.
So many 3-pointers
The current makeup of the Grizzlies' roster is leading to a bunch of 3-point shots. Because most of the team's best players at creating off the dribble are hurt, Memphis generates most of its offense from drive-and-kick opportunities. Golden State did a good job of stopping the basketball when the Grizzlies drove to the basket. As a result, all 10 rotation players attempted a 3-pointer in the first half.
This is much different from the days where the Grizzlies dominated the NBA in the paint. Outside of Jackson, who constantly puts pressure on the rim, no player attempted more than five free throws. Friday was the fifth time the Grizzlies have attempted 45 or more 3-pointers in a game this season.
Golden State presents another hurdle
This time it wasn't Curry or Klay Thompson going nuclear on 3-pointers. Nor was it Draymond Green's game-changing defensive ability. Or former No. 1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins.
It was 21-year-old forward Jonathan Kuminga who posed the problem. His quickness and athleticism gave Memphis problems in transition and when he drove against one-on-one coverage. He looked a step faster and had the ability to jump higher than anyone else on the floor. He erupted for 15 points in the second quarter when the Warriors created separation.
What's next
The Grizzlies are heading on the road for games against two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. They will play the NBA-leading Boston Celtics on Sunday and the New York Knicks on Tuesday.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies struggle offensively vs Warriors, lose 4th straight
