{"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
Nov 30, 20236 min read

Kentucky, Miami November 28th, 2023 Scouting Report

WHO: University of Kentucky vs. University of Miami

WHEN: Lexington, KY -- November 28, 2023

SCORE: Kentucky 95-73


An early showdown between 2 top-10 teams, the SEC/ACC showdown brought Kentucky and Miami to a head. What drew me to this game though were 3 particular prospects: Woogla Poplar of Miami, and Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham of Kentucky. All 3 of these players drew raving reviews in their first games of the season, and this game was the perfect competitive environment to gather an initial impression.


Rob Dillingham


  • 12 points (5-12 shooting, 2-2 from 3), 9 assists (0 turnovers), 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 4 fouls

Offense: Rob Dillingham is an impeccable live-dribble creator, working the ball on a string and dissecting the defense as a scorer or playmaker. His shot-making has been heralded since his days at the Overtime Elite, and in this game particular, he showcased nice stop-and-pop ability from distance and the mid-range. The most intriguing takeaway was his playmaking, as he finished with 9 assists and 0 turnovers. He orchestrated the offense quite well as a co-pilot with Reed Sheppard, and while some of his assists came with the flow of the offense, his reads were exceptional -- finding open rollers and cutters with clear pathways to the basket. His finishing was a mixed bag, but his footwork and finesse shined on successful drivers, while his size was a hindrance in others.


Defense: Dillingham caught me by surprise defensively. He's not a lockdown defender by any stretch, but he may be far from a liability there as well. His screen navigation was sound -- maybe veered too far under on high ball screens, but ultimately recovered on ball-handlers. He has great timing and hands on deflections, and he sought the 50/50 balls -- seeing him dive on the floor for a loose ball piqued my interest. He may enter less-than-ideal circumstances with more exposure, but he passed his first big test against a good college offense.


What I'm monitoring going forward: How he progresses in an on-ball role. If DJ Wagner is missing extended time due to an injury suffered in this game, Dillingham seems like the natural on-ball player to lead the Kentucky offense. Even as a freshman, he's a dynamic presence with the ball on his hand, adding a layer of unpredictability with his live-dribble creation. Showing he's capable of leading a P5 offense this year, and excelling as a playmaker for himself and others, will change his draft and early career projections. His envisioned role could shift from a small combo guard that serves as a bucket-getter, to a potential lead guard -- or at the very least a co-pilot next to a big playmaker.




Woogla Poplar

  • 19 points (7-13 shooting, 0-2 from 3, 5-8 from the free throw line), 8 rebounds, 1 assist (1 turnover), 2 steals, 2 fouls

Offense: Poplar's atheticism immediately jumps off the page. Though his handle isn't exactly air-tight, he navigates to his spots well and has excellent elevation and balance on his jumpers -- evident in the mid-range. He attacked the paint well to draw contact and get to the free throw line. His second jump is crazy, as there was a specific sequence where he rebounded his own missed layup for a putback. His skillset seems catered to this go-to responsibility for this Miami team.


Defense: Poplar was thrusted in off-ball defense responsibilities most often. In these scenarios, he could jump passing lanes and blow up handoff actions to generate turnovers.


What I'm monitoring going forward: The trade-off between his offense and defense. Poplar will shoulder a ton of creation responsibilities with Miami, but I hope it doesn't come at the expense of highlighting his defensive potential. He has the physical tools to be a dynamic defender both on or off-ball. Granted, you won't see a ton of defensive flashes when your team surrenders 95 points in 40 minutes. So his defensive upside will be one to monitor throughout the year.




Reed Sheppard

  • 21 points (8-13 shooting, 5-9 from 3), 5 rebounds, 4 assists (1 turnover), 3 steals, 1 block, 2 fouls

Offense: Sheppard is at the top of his class as a pure shooting prospect. He's tremendous at shooting off movement -- whether it's through relocation, off curls, or off handoff's. He possesses great balance on drives for controlled finishes inside the arc. He shared playmaking responsibilities with Dillingham, and his passing shines as a primary or side-action initiator. He's a smart playmaker that'll make the proper swing around the perimeter, or the skip pass over to the weakside corner.


Defense: Sheppard came into this game as an interesting stocks guy -- 3.2 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. Though I have some concerns about his point-of-attack defense, his event creation can offset. His instincts are sharp with his hands for deflections, but his help defense is excellent -- swiping from players around the post and dunker's spot. Even despite some shaky on-ball movements, he's a good screen navigation capable of recovering on ball-handlers to force reversals.


What I'm monitoring going forward: Will his physical limitations limit his upside, or his event creation too good? Sheppard doesn't possess the tools as an elite defender -- 6'3" and 187 pounds, with an unknown wingspan. His lateral quickness isn't eye-popping or anything. So it begs the question if there are matchups that expose it? It may not, because his nose for the ball is exceptional. If his defensive excellence emerges, along with his playmaking and shooting, he's a guard that ultimately makes an impact on winning.




Justin Edwards

  • 11 points (5-7 shooting, 0-1 from 3, 1-3 from the free throw line), 3 rebounds, 0 assists (0 turnovers), 2 steals, 3 fouls

Offense: Edwards didn't try to do too much here, and his simplicity allowed him to have an imapct on this game. He hustled down the floor to help ignite transition offense, and had a specific sequence where he crashed from the corner for a putback. As a creator, he operated more as a straight-line driver on his way to the bucket, and didn't really go right, but still finished efficiently at the bucket


Defense: Edwards' hustle stood out. He created defensive events for transition offense, both in passing lanes and at the point of attack. He has the physical tools to be a solid defensive forward.


What I'm monitoring going forward: Is he a play creator or a play finisher? Edwards started the cycle as a potential top pick and has quickly seen his stock fall out of that range. While he was efficient, his creation was rather limited -- going the same direction and same hand, not shooting pull-up jumpers, and not creating looks for his teammates. His skillset seems trailored to be a "play finisher" -- which, I need to clarify, is still a great path to go towards and helps for NBA scalability. However, if he's not the big creating wing teams covet, it may limit his draft stock. On the other hand, thriving in the secondary things (finishing, catch-and-shoot jumpers, and defense) will benefit his NBA trajectory as a coveted wing for quite some time -- regardless of where he's picked.



Other quick hits

  • DJ Wagner's time was limited due to injury. Very quickly, he showcased his ability to navigate downhill in tight spaces. His block into transition offense was a riveting two-way sequence as well. Hope this is a minor setback, so he can be back on the floor for Kentucky.



  • Antonio Reeves seems like a great veteran complement next to the young Kentucky guards. He's capable of handling scoring responsibilities -- attacking closeouts to work the in-between or get into the paint, and he's also a knockdown shooter. He also possesses great size on the wing as a perimeter defender as well.



  • Tre Mitchell operated as Kentucky's center in Aaron Bradshaw's absence. His playmaking stood out as a connector out of Delay actions, as he dished out 7 assists -- though his 3 turnovers showed how he might have forced the issue. He bit too much on pump fakes inside, but also had some good blocks. His role transformation in Bradshaw's return will be fascinating, but he's a good veteran big man to piece things together.



  • It was a quiet game for Matthew Cleveland, though his emphatic block immediately popped off the page. His role as a 3-and-D wing next to Woogla Poplar will be one to monitor. Nonetheless, he has intriguing defensive tools as a 6'7" wing.



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