NBA: Balanced attack powers Grizzlies in blowout of Hornets

Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies dives the ball against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half of the game at FedExForum on November 04, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. Justin Ford/Getty Images/AFP

Behind a searing night of shooting from Dillon Brooks and a record-breaking performance from Steven Adams, the Memphis Grizzlies secured a 130-99 home win over the Charlotte Hornets on Friday.

Brooks tied a career-high with six 3-pointers, finishing with a game-high 23 points to go along with four rebounds and four assists.

Adams had a double-double in the first half and had 13 points, 19 rebounds and four assists. His 16 boards through the first two quarters of the game set a new Grizzlies franchise record and career high for rebounds in the first half. The entire Hornets team had only 17 at the break.

Ja Morant had 12 points and 11 assists for his first double-double of the season. Desmond Bane continued his outstanding game with 19 points, six rebounds and two steals.

The Grizzlies had eight double-digit scorers.

〽️ two-digit 8.
〽️ 34 assists
〽️ 10 blocks.

good to be at cribskii tonight. #BigMemphis pic.twitter.com/mcCU5LDKXv

— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) November 5, 2022

Memphis took a 41-24 lead in the first quarter — its biggest opener lead of the season — on Morant’s pass, Brooks’ shot and Adams’ all-around play.

Morant had six assists in the first frame. Brooks was 5 of 5 from the field, including 4 of 4 from 3-point range, and scored 14 points. Adams had six points, four assists and nine rebounds.

A Morant lay-up at the end of second place Memphis 71-47.

Charlotte played shorthanded in the backcourt with LaMelo Ball (sprained left ankle) and Terry Rozier (sprained right ankle) until at least Saturday.

But the Hornets’ starting line-up suffered another blow when it was announced before the game that Gordon Hayward was unavailable with a left shoulder injury.

Charlotte’s Mason Plumlee had his double-double streak shattered in two games. Plumlee finished with seven points, seven rebounds and three assists.

Kelly Oubre Jr. led the Hornets with 17 points, while PJ Washington added 10 points and four rebounds and James Bouknight had a season-high 14 points. Bryce McGowens added 12 and JT Thor scored 11 off the bench for the Hornets.

Jaren Jackson (foot), Danny Green (knee) and Ziaire Williams (knee) did not play for the Grizzlies.

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