Memphis Grizzlies can't slow down Nikola Jokic in road loss vs Denver Nuggets

Playing in Denver is always a tough task for opponents, but the Memphis Grizzlies had to do so without nine players Monday night.

Dealing with injuries isn't anything new this season, but those issues are exaggerated when the opponent is the caliber of the Nuggets. Memphis fell behind early at Ball Arena and couldn't recover, losing 128-103.

The Grizzlies (24-48) trailed by as many as 29 points. After an early third-quarter run, they got Denver's lead down to 15. The Nuggets (51-21) called a timeout and answered with a quick 8-0 run to put the game out of reach.

Lamar Stevens led the Grizzlies with 19 points, followed by point guard Scotty Pippen Jr.'s 17. Desmond Bane and GG Jackson each added 15 points.

Two-time MVP Nikola Jokic was in control for the Nuggets. He finished with 29 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists while playing three quarters.

Here are some takeaways from Monday's game.

Scotty Pippen Jr. joins starting lineup

Pippen joined the starting lineup alongside Bane for the first time this season, an important move. Bane is a shooting guard, but the Grizzlies play him on and off the ball. Pippen showed early on why he could be an effective player in Memphis beyond this season, but there were also moments that revealed his weaknesses.

Pippen was one of the best scoring options for Memphis, but he did lead the team with five turnovers. Being a terrific scorer who is prone to turnovers is nothing new for Pippen, but it's a key area of growth to monitor for the remainder of the season.

Foul trouble dooms Grizzlies

Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. both picked up two fouls in the first quarter. The Grizzlies can survive short stretches without one of its star players, but having neither on the floor limits the team on both ends. Bane stayed out of foul trouble for the remainder of the game, but Jackson picked up his third foul early in the second quarter, then another in the third quarter that limited his defensive aggressiveness.

Jackson had an off night and finished with 11 points on 4-for-18 shooting.

Nikola Jokic continues dominance

Jokic ended the first quarter with 17 points while Jackson sat. That start set the tone for how the center matchup played out. Jokic affected the game on both ends and was tough to guard. The Nuggets were missing two key starters in Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon, but it still was hard for the Grizzlies to limit Jokic due to Denver's ability to surround him on the floor with good shooters.

All five Nuggets starters made at least one 3-pointer. When that is happening, it's hard to figure out when to double-team Jokic. Memphis didn't have the answer Monday night.

What's next

The Grizzlies are back in action Wednesday against the Los Angeles Lakers. This will be the Grizzlies' first game after their four-game road trip. Forward Brandon Clarke hasn't played this season while recovering from a torn left Achilles suffered in March 2023, but there's a chance he will make his season debut against the Lakers.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies unable to contain Nikola Jokic in loss to Nuggets