Grizzlies set record in dunking Raptors 155-126, Toronto loses ninth in a row

By Clay Bailey, The Associated Press on December 26, 2024.

Memphis Grizzlies centre Zach Edey (14) reacts in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – Jaren Jackson Jr. had 21 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks, Zach Edey also scored 21 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, and the Memphis Grizzlies set a franchise scoring record in blowing out the skidding Toronto Raptors 155-126 on Thursday night.

Desmond Bane added 19 points, Jaylen Wells scored 17 and Ja Morant had 15 points and nine assists as Memphis won for the third time in four games.

Toronto lost its ninth straight and fell to 1-14 on the road. RJ Barrett led the Raptors with 27 points, and Scottie Barnes added 26. Chris Boucher finished with 15.

Both teams played porous defence for three quarters and each had reached 100 points before the fourth started. A burst by Memphis in the third took the lead to 22.

The 155 points were the most given up by the Raptors this season.

TAKEAWAYS

Raptors: Despite the skid, Toronto had played close games recently. Of the previous seven, only one was decided by more than 10 points.

Grizzlies: Memphis leads the NBA in scoring at 122.7 points per game, and the Grizzlies scored 78 in the first two quarters – their most in a half this season.

KEY MOMENT

Memphis was already up 127-103 with 10:29 left when Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic went at official JT Orr complaining about calls. Orr handed out one technical foul but Rajakovic kept coming as players tried to restrain him. Orr then called another technical, sending a steaming Rajakovic to the locker room.

KEY STAT

The Grizzlies had a season-high 24 offensive rebounds, leading to 33 second-chance points – also a season best.

UP NEXT

Raptors: Host the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday.

Grizzlies: Visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba