Morant has triple-double as Grizzlies trounce Bucks 142-101

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — — Ja Morant had 25 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, and the Memphis Grizzlies pounded the Milwaukee Bucks 142-101 on Thursday night.

Dillon Brooks added 18 points and Tyus Jones had 16 as eight Grizzlies scored in double figures. Memphis led from start to finish in its seventh straight win.

The Grizzlies opened a 50-point lead in the fourth quarter for the NBA’s largest advantage this season.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis led the Bucks with 19 points apiece before Milwaukee coach Mike Budenholzer emptied the bench late in the third quarter.

The game featured two of the top teams in their respective conferences. Milwaukee entered the night a game behind East-leading Boston, while Memphis was tied for first with the New Orleans Pelicans in the Western Conference.

But the Bucks struggled from the start of the game. Memphis led 70-41 at halftime. It was the most points given up in a half by Milwaukee this season.

TIP-INS

Bucks: G Jrue Holiday missed his second game with a non-COVID-19 illness. Serge Ibaka also was a late scratch for the same reason. … F Khris Middleton was 1 of 12 in the game, including 1 of 8 from 3-point range. … Milwaukee’s biggest loss in franchise history was by 48 two times, the last time in the 1994-95 season against Orlando.

Grizzlies: Coach Taylor Jenkins is tied with Dave Joerger for second place on the franchise career wins list with 147. Lionel Hollins has the most wins as Memphis coach with 214. … F/C Brandon Clarke made all six of his shots in the game and has connected on 55 of 77 shots over his past 11 games. … Steven Adams had a season-high five blocks.

UP NEXT

Bucks: Face the Utah Jazz on Sunday.

Grizzlies: Travel to Oklahoma City to face the Thunder on Saturday.

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