Memphis Grizzlies' three-game winning streak snapped by Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
The FedExForum crowd filed in and the majority of fans stood on their feet midway through the first quarter when former Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol was first honored on his jersey retirement celebration day.
Many of the Grizzlies players that fans have come accustomed to seeing were sitting on the Memphis bench handing out high-fives. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers had all-stars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey on the other end.
Embiid scored 30 points in three quarters, and Memphis had no answer. The Grizzlies fell 116-96 on Saturday night.
The loss ended a three-game winning streak by the Grizzlies. Scotty Pippen Jr. led the way with 24 points and five assists for Memphis (27-51)
The Sixers (43-35) had 12 players score points and play minutes. Memphis had just eight players available.
Here are some takeaways from the game.
A new eight take the floor
The Grizzlies took the floor for the second straight game with exactly eight players. The NBA requires teams to have at least eight active players before each game. Six players returned from Friday's win against the Detroit Pistons, but Jake LaRavia and Lamar Stevens did not. Memphis filled the other two spots on Saturday with Brandon Clarke returning and signing G League Memphis Hustle guard Timmy Allen to a 10-day contract.
Extra eyes in the building
Mike Miller, Rudy Gay and Quincy Pondexter were among the former Grizzlies players sitting courtside. That didn't include the many other players who were in suites. Not only was it a heavy presence of former Grizzlies, but FedExForum was much more packed than recent home games. Call that the Gasol effect.
HONORING GASOL: Watch: Marc Gasol receives standing ovation during first quarter timeout at Grizzlies game
Jordan Goodwin finding his groove
When Jordan Goodwin and Pippen started getting playing time in Memphis, it was Pippen who made the biggest impact in the early going of two point guards on two-way contracts. While Pippen continues to play well, Goodwin has found his groove. Goodwin has reached double digits in scoring in three straight games and four of his last five. He's also had three double-digit rebounding performances in that stretch, and three games of at least five assists. Goodwin has done some of everything while making his case as a player who could stick around after this season.
What's next
Memphis will get two days off and return to action for its fourth and final game of the season against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday (7 p.m., Bally Sports Southeast). Memphis has won 13 straight games against the Spurs.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Grizzlies' winning streak comes to an end after home loss to 76ers
