Memphis Grizzlies test out some new lineups in preseason opening OT win against Pacers
There was no more Dillon Brooks dancing in the pregame huddle. Tyus Jones used to be the Memphis Grizzlies reserve who greeted the starters with handshakes right before they took the floor, but now it's Xavier Tillman Sr.
The stage was set for the new-look Grizzlies against the Indiana Pacers in their preseason opener at FedExForum. Sunday's game was the revelation of what has been teased the past week. Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins showcased a bevy of lineups, and more players were put in playmaking situations.
The end result was a thrilling 127-122 overtime win.
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A total of 15 Grizzlies players got minutes. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the way with 18 points, and Desmond Bane added 17 points and four assists.
The Grizzlies led 66-59 at halftime before emptying the bench. Before the game, Jenkins said the goal was to keep players' minute totals to no more than the mid-20s.
Three-point shooting is an area the Grizzlies are aiming to improve, but they struggled on Sunday, shooting 8-for-38.
Extra basketball gave the Grizzlies a longer look at Kenneth Lofton Jr. Despite entering the game midway through the fourth quarter, his scoring boost pushed the Grizzlies to overtime and over the hump in the extra period. He finished with 11 points on 5-for-6 shooting in 11 minutes.
Here are some takeaways from Sunday's preseason opener.
Who was available for Grizzlies?
Ja Morant is suspended for the first 25 games of the NBA season, and that includes the preseason. Projected Grizzlies starter Marcus Smart was unavailable while dealing with abdominal soreness, and shooting guard Vince Williams Jr. was also out.
Derrick Rose started in place of Smart and scored the first two points of the game when he finished a layup around Pacers shot-blocking threat Myles Turner. Rose being elevated to the starting lineup created a backup point guard vacancy when he went to the bench.
Bane and John Konchar were the two players who took over most of the ballhandling when Rose went to the bench. Later in the game, point guard Jacob Gilyard and wing Ziaire Williams had similar ballhandling roles.
Derrick Rose fills in seamlessly
When Rose signed with the Grizzlies, more attention was put on his potential veteran leadership than what he could add on the floor. That may be shifting after his preseason debut. The 35-year-old point guard showcased the shiftiness that made him an NBA Sixth Man of the Year candidate three seasons ago. The starting offense flowed well with Rose's ability to score, keep the ball moving and set up teammates, He finished with 13 points and two assists on 6-for-8 shooting, playing just one half.
Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane take first step as dynamic duo
The early returns are positive. Jackson and Bane looked like a duo ready to step up and hold down the fort while Morant is out. Each scored 13 points in the first half while making big plays on both ends. Bane jumped the passing lanes and created an easy transition scoring attempt for himself, and Jackson reminded viewers why he's the reigning NBA shot-blocking leader when he pinned Obi Toppin's ball against the backboard in the second quarter. The Grizzlies will need both of them to be two-way stars this season, and the first game results were promising.
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What's next
The Grizzlies return to action Tuesday against the Milwaukee Bucks at FedExForum. The Bucks made one of the most notable moves of the offseason when they acquired former Portland Trail Blazers All-Star Damian Lillard. Milwaukee is projected to be one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies mix and match in preseason opener against Pacers
