{"uid":"Entry:6cecaf92-8ca1-48fb-ab3d-54c4623aced6","title":"Quick Recap: Grizzlies cook Nuggets in resounding win","dek":{"html":"The Memphis Grizzlies put together a massive win over the Western Conference’s top seed, Denver Nuggets."},"createdAt":"2023-02-26T01:20:21.000Z","url":"https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/2023/2/25/23615255/quick-recap-memphis-grizzlies-cook-denver-nuggets-in-resounding-win-morant-tillman-nba","wordCount":777,"updatedAt":"2023-02-26T04:01:15.000Z","author":{"fullOrUserName":"Parker Fleming"},"authorProfile":null,"contributors":[],"communityGroups":[{"name":"Front Page"},{"name":"Quick Recap"}],"body":{"components":[{"__typename":"EntryBodyParagraph","placement":{"id":"JvyufK","alignment":null},"contents":{"html":"The Memphis Grizzlies returned to FedExForum for their first home game after the All-Star break, as the top-seeded Denver Nuggets rolled into town. The Grizzlies (Steven Adams) and Nuggets (Aaron Gordon) were both missing key players, but it still served as an anticipated bout on this Saturday slate of games."},"dropcap":false,"endmark":false,"lead":false},{"__typename":"EntryBodyParagraph","placement":{"id":"B6S8t9","alignment":null},"contents":{"html":"The Grizzlies and Nuggets started with a fast, back-and-forth pace. Xavier Tillman quickly scored 6 points off the bat. The Nuggets started off fine, but they cooled off significantly towards the end of the quarter. Ja Morant was pretty much able to get wherever he wanted on the floor, attacked the paint at will. The Grizzlies closed with a 28-20 lead after the first quarter."},"dropcap":false,"endmark":false,"lead":false},{"__typename":"EntryBodyParagraph","placement":{"id":"Dyiifk","alignment":null},"contents":{"html":"The Grizzlies made it rain from deep in the 2nd quarter — drilling 6 three-pointers in the quarter. Tyus Jones led the charge here, connecting on 4 triples, which really generated some flow in the offense when Morant sat. The Grizzlies used a 14-2 run to start the quarter to blow the doors open a little bit, generating a sizable double-digit lead quick. The Grizzlies finished with a 66-42 lead at halftime."},"dropcap":false,"endmark":false,"lead":false},{"__typename":"EntryBodyParagraph","placement":{"id":"kkc4wP","alignment":null},"contents":{"html":"The Grizzlies built their lead up past 30 points, and they didn’t budge. Their offense was still crisp, and they were going after 50/50 balls too — Morant included:"},"dropcap":false,"endmark":false,"lead":false},{"__typename":"EntryBodyEmbed","placement":{"id":"5chwY3","alignment":null},"embed":{"embedHtml":"

It's such a tone-setter when your star player goes after 50-50 balls this hard

And obviously the silky finish from Ja Morantpic.twitter.com/TazQjeT6Up

— Grizzly Bear Blues (@sbnGrizzlies) February 26, 2023
\n\n","provider":{"name":"Twitter"}}},{"__typename":"EntryBodyParagraph","placement":{"id":"Su2lAZ","alignment":null},"contents":{"html":"The Grizzlies closed with a 94-62 lead at the end of the 3rd quarter."},"dropcap":false,"endmark":false,"lead":false},{"__typename":"EntryBodyParagraph","placement":{"id":"FGXpeu","alignment":null},"contents":{"html":"The Nuggets pulled Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. at the start of the 4th quarter. Nothing totally eventful happened in the quarter. Luke Kennard and Tyus Jones hit a couple of 3’s to bring their totals to 4 and 5, respectively."},"dropcap":false,"endmark":false,"lead":false},{"__typename":"EntryBodyParagraph","placement":{"id":"06FwYI","alignment":null},"contents":{"html":"The Grizzlies ended the game with Kennedy Chandler, Ziaire Williams, Jake LaRavia, David Roddy, and Kenneth Lofton Jr. The fans got treated with some good Jr. moments."},"dropcap":false,"endmark":false,"lead":false},{"__typename":"EntryBodyParagraph","placement":{"id":"TABBqq","alignment":null},"contents":{"html":"Memphis Grizzlies close with a resounding 112-94 win."},"dropcap":false,"endmark":false,"lead":false},{"__typename":"EntryBodyHeading","placement":{"id":"soyN84","alignment":null},"contents":{"html":"Quick Takeaways"},"level":2},{"__typename":"EntryBodyList","placement":{"id":null,"alignment":null},"items":[{"line":{"html":"Stones back rolling. Tyus Jones went on an absolute heater in the 2nd quarter, and it was great to see him snap out of a funk lately. In his last 11 games, Jones has averaged 4.5 points and 3.6 assists on 33.9% shooting from the field and 14.3% from 3. He played with extra swagger and confidence on the offensive end, and when he’s doing that, the offense tends to hum and work its way around in the halfcourt. For the Grizzlies to officially navigate out of this weird month stretch of play, getting the “Tyus Stones” version of Jones will be crucial."},"placement":{"id":"BsqcVt"}},{"line":{"html":"X solid again. Xavier Tillman go the starting nod, so that the Grizzlies had a physical option against Nikola Jokic. He played rock-solid defense against Jokic, holding him to 15 points and 13 rebounds. The biggest difference was Jokic was minimized as a playmaker, only generating 3 assists. Tillman also was ready offensively, as he connected on all 6 of his attempts for 12 points, while also dropping 3 dimes. I don’t know his standing in the rotation once Steven Adams returns, but he’s reemerged as a good player to have in emergency situations."},"placement":{"id":"2u4lnp"}},{"line":{"html":"Sneaky Dillon game. We don’t need to delve much into the 2023 it’s been for Dillon Brooks, but he put together a sneaky steady game — probably his best in awhile. He connected on 5 of his 9 shot attempts, while making 2 of his 4 three-point tries. Everything he sought offensively came within the flow, nothing was forced. He was also instrumental in holding Jamal Murray into a 3-13 shooting night (1-5 from 3). It’s not the most eye-popping game we’ve seen from Dillon Brooks, but he doesn’t need to be on this version of the Grizzlies. He served as the perfect complementary piece within the system."},"placement":{"id":"4mfrlU"}},{"line":{"html":"Much-needed Grizz win. This is the kind of win that can turn the tide for the Memphis Grizzlies. From start to finish, they laid the smackdown on top-seeded Denver Nuggets. They minimized their star, made his supporting cast complete non-factors, and kept things flowing offensively. The Grizzlies have now won 4 of their past 6 games, but this one seems like it could be the foundation for a bounce-back into a massive month of March on the horizon."},"placement":{"id":"R5QTxN"}}],"ordered":false},{"__typename":"EntryBodyParagraph","placement":{"id":"Ocov0D","alignment":null},"contents":{"html":"The Memphis Grizzlies will get a couple days off before they play the Los Angeles Lakers at home on Tuesday February 28th."},"dropcap":false,"endmark":false,"lead":false},{"__typename":"EntryBodyParagraph","placement":{"id":"2hiC3a","alignment":null},"contents":{"html":"Grizzly Bear Blues will be moving to Bluff City Media on 3/1, and you can subscribe here for insider Memphis Grizzlies and Memphis Tigers content. Use promo code “GBBLIVE” for 10% OFF an annual subscription. Follow Grizzly Bear Blues on Twitter and Instagram. For more Grizzlies talk, subscribe to the Grizzly Bear Blues podcast network on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, and IHeart. "},"dropcap":false,"endmark":false,"lead":false}]}}
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Writer's pictureParker Fleming
Jan 18, 20244 min read

Iowa State, BYU January 16th, 2024 Scouting Report

WHO: Iowa State University vs. Brigham Young University

WHEN: January 16th, 2024 -- Provo, Utah

RESULT: BYU 87-72


Milan Momcilovic of Iowa State has been an interesting prospect to monitor this cycle -- a freshman forward with a combination of size, skill, and shooting that could intrigue front offices, and ultimately get him to declare for the draft early. BYU and Iowa State served as a good test between 2 top-25 teams to serve as a barometer on the talented freshman. In addition, a few different deep cuts popped in my eye in this game.


Milan Momcilovic

  • 11 points (3-10 shooting, 1-6 from 3, 4-5 from the free throw line), 3 rebounds, 1 assists (0 turnovers), 0 blocks or steals, 1 foul in 34 minutes

Offense: Momcilovic's offensive skill was apparent, even in an off-shooting night. His shooting form is rather smooth, and he keeps the ball high for his release point. He's a deft off-ball mover that can shoot off movement -- though he needs to learn to square his body a bit more off the catch to develop better consistency as a shooter. His handle is a bit stiff, which prevents him from being a good advantage creator. However, he loves going to the post on mismatches, typically pulling the "Dirk" one-legged fadeaway out of his bag.

Defense: Momcilovic has a ways to go defensively. Ball-watching led to his man getting an open cut to the basket. He's a too slow-footed right now in individual matchups as well. Iowa State stuck him at the top of a 1-2-2 zone as an adjustment, but his size wasn't really utilized to his advantage that much.

What I'm monitoring: Will he declare in 2024 or 2025? Momcilovic has the size and skill that evaluators tend to covet as a stretch-4. However, I've been thinking since the start of the cycle that he should declare in 2025 to come back stronger and with a more focal point in the system -- and my opinion hasn't really changed. His efficiency has slipped in conference plays, shooting 39% from the field and 26.1% from 3 in 4 conference games. Through doing so, he could showcase more of his skillset as a shooter+ -- focusing on defensive improvements, advantage creation, and secondary playmaking. In the process, Momcilovic could position himself as a top returner and a potential lottery pick in next year's class.



Other Players

  • Jaxson Robinson: Robinson's game seems so scalable to the next level. He's a catch-and-shoot threat with deep range and a pretty shooting form, connecting on 3 of his 8 three-point attempts. He didn't offer much as a creator in this game, but the threat of his jumper could open up more of his game there. He's a heady defender utilized on primary ball-handlers, maintaining a strong presence with his size (6'7", 7'1" wingspan) and with his screen navigation. There are concerns with his consistency defensively, but locking in more on that side of the floor could bode well for his trajectory.



  • Keshon Gilbert: It was an off game for Gilbert, as he only shot 6-15 from the field. He didn't make his presence felt as a playmaker either, dishing out just 1 assist against 4 turnovers. He's a lightning-quick guard with good size (6'4") and elite athleticism. However, he still needs work shifting gears downhill, especially as he faces defensive pressure near the rim. A bright spot in this game though, he showed a feathery touch on his floater in the in-between game, a usual tool for him to counter more protection in the paint.



  • Spencer Johnson: Johnson was the game's leading scorer -- finishing with 28 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. He shot the ball extremely well -- season-best 4-9 from 3, 39.7% career 3-point shooter (32.5 this season). He sought opportunities to let it fly in transition before the defense can get set. He found his way to the scoring chances inside the arc with his cutting and his attacks off closeouts -- and drawing playmaking opportunities within it. His defense was sound -- slowing down Momcilovic, jumping passing lanes, applying pressure, and navigating screens. Don't know his draft prospects, as he's was in the 2016 HS graduating class (completed 2 year mission between HS and college), but he's a focal part of BYU's system.



  • Dallin Hall: The 6'4" sophomore guard served as the primary ball-handler for BYU. How he controlled the pace of the game was impressive, though his handle is a bit loose for full-time lead-guard responsibilities. He pushed the ball to ignite transition offense, applied pressure with his downhill attack, and sought drive-and-kick chances to open shooters (6 of 8 assists came from 3). His shot is pretty solid (3-3 this game), too. Defensively, he generated 2 steals with his off-ball awareness. He may be more of a 2026 guy to look out for, but he currently boasts offensive BPM and defensive BPM greater of 3 and 3.8. He also has good size, shooting, and playmaking chops at the guard spot. Keeping tabs as a deep cut down the road.



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