Hornets Get Trounced by the Grizzlies

The preseason tilt between two of the best young point guards in the NBA was totally one-sided on Thursday.

Ja Morant had a solid game, doing a little bit of everything. He scored 16 points, had eight assists, five rebounds and two rejections in less than 24 minutes of playing time, assisting the Memphis Grizzlies to a 30 point blowout over the Charlotte Hornets, 128-98.

LaMelo Ball, last season’s NBA rookie of the year, did not fare as well. He struggled from the field, only converting 5 of his 17 shot attempts and finishing with only 13 points.

Point Guard/Shooting Guard Desmond Bane added 19 points and new Grizzlies center Steven Adams, who was acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans, had a double-double with 15 points and 16 boards.

Adams had nearly as many rebounds in the first two quarters of play (14), as the entire Hornets team did with 18. He pounded the Hornets on the glass and passes that he created caused all kinds of problems on the defensive end of the court.

Adams was able to dominate the game partly because the Hornets were without several key players in Thursday’s game. Gordon Hayward and Mason Plumlee were out due to health and safety protocols and top player off the bench Kelly Oubre missed the game with a sprained right ankle.

Even in the loss, there were some bright spots for the Hornets. Veteran guard Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 21 points. He was on fire in the early going of the game and hit a few shots from behind the arc, including one as part of a 4-point play.

Rookie James Bouknight chipped in with 17 points and had his second straight game of taking the opposition’s reserves to school in the second half and into the final stanza.

Miles Bridges scored 14 points, had 3 rebounds and 2 assists and put in a good, overall performance in 27 minutes.

The Grizzlies put the game away early, going into halftime with a 30 point lead and holding the Hornets to an anemic 32% shooting in the first half.

“Our guys are coming out and setting the tone on the offensive end, but that also starts on the defensive end,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said.

Jenkins told the media that he likes what Adams is contributing to the team, especially working out of the high post and executing the pick and roll with Morant.

“He’s learning a new system, new teammates, new coaches and new terminology, but he is playing to his strengths,” Jenkins said.

When asked about the opportunities to get rebounds off Morant misses, Adams laughed and said, “You’re assuming he’s going to miss, mate.” “Someone like him, he is very entertaining to watch,” Adams added of Morant. “He’s an amazing athlete and very quick.”

Hornets head coach James Borrego wasn’t happy with his team’s slow start.

“If we think that’s acceptable then we’re in trouble,” Borrego said. ”… We’ve got to fight more. There are areas all over the place we’ve got to clean up.” He also stated that he had no information on how long Hayward and Plumlee would be out.

One of the issues that was very noticeable in this game is that without Mason Plumlee, the Hornets are going to struggle with elite, physical centers, such as Adams, just like they did in the 2020 season. Another factor is when you struggle shooting the ball and cannot stop the other team, it is hard to overcome that and win.

The Hornets should learn and grow from this loss. They will be going on the road to face the Miami Heat Monday night.