{"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 26, 20234 min read

UConn, Indiana November 19, 2023 Scouting Report


WHO: University of Connecticut vs. Indiana University

WHEN: Empire Classic -- November 19, 2023

SCORE: UConn 77-57


Despite the absence of potential lottery guard Stephon Castle of UConn, the matchup between Donovan Clingan and Kel'el Ware was a fascinating matchup between NBA prospect big men with clashing styles.


Donovan Clingan

  • 7 points (1-3 shooting, 5-8 from the free throw line), 9 rebounds, 2 assists (2 turnovers), 2 blocks, 2 steals

Offense: Donovan Clingan was bothered by Kel'el Ware's size, as he was held to just 3 shot attempts and wasn't much of a factor within UConn's offensive attack. However, his role has NBA scalability. While they did utilize him in the post -- like college teams would for big men of his size (7'2", 280 pounds) -- UConn had him hang around the perimeter as a screening and connective hub. His screening, in particular, generates a ton of space and looks for ball-handlers. Despite his limited field goal attempts, he was a monster on the offensive glass (7 rebounds) and made his way to the free throw line down low and on the roll. Though UConn didn't activate his playmaking too much, he made intriguing reads out of the low block.


Defense: Clingan's size as a defender is so imposing; he's a legitimate drop coverage nightmare. He bothered Ware in the low post (more on that) with his physicality and verticality without fouling. His instincts are sound for a big of his size, utilizing them for altering shots and generating deflections.


What I'm monitoring going forward: Per-minute production translating. Clingan solidifed himself as a young big man to watch in college basketball with his shot-blocking and efficiency in limited action last season. With a larger role, how many more minutes will follow? Will the production continue to translate with more playing time? Clingan played a career-high 30 minutes in this game, and made his presence felt throughout the game. His production in this capacity could determine his outlook as a NBA starting center.




Kel'el Ware

  • 11 points (2-10 shooting, 2-4 from 3, 5-6 from the free throw line), 7 rebounds, 0 assists (3 turnovers), 0 blocks, 0 steal

Offense: Kel'el Ware's role was pretty perplexing. Despite the weight discrepenacy between him and Clingan (210 vs. 280), they ran too many post actions for Ware, which defeats the athletic advantages he poses. It's a role that just felt unnatural to him. He connected on 2 triples, displaying a fluid form from the outside. They should've put him in position to utilize his athleticism as a play finisher.


Defense: Ware limited Clingan offensively, preventing him from having too much of an offensive impact. However, Clingan did haul in 7 offensive rebounds. Nonetheless, Ware has some switchy tools, which allows him to diversify his coverages in space -- coming to the level, dropping, or switching.


What I'm monitoring going forward: Can his skill come closer to his athletic tools? We've seen athletic big men fall down the draft boards, because they're utlimately too raw. Ware has good touch on his outside shot and is a fluid athlete for his size. Indiana leveraging his tools to an advantage, while easing him into more skill-based roles -- rolling decision-making, outside shooting, and live-dribble actions.



Mackenzie Mbgako

Offense: Mackenzie Mbgako had a quiet game from both a usage and shot volume standpoint (just 3 shot attempts). Even in the quick flashes, his shooting form is pretty clean. In addition, they put the ball in his hands to create a side-action pick-and-roll with Ware. At this stage, he may be more of a transition threat and a play finisher on this team.


Defense: Mbgako didn't generate any defensive events, but he showed upside as a plus defender. Indiana had him defending at the point-of-attack a good bit, allowing him to use his size and length to bother primary initiators. He also showed good screen navigation around on and off-ball actions.


What I'm monitoring going forward: Can he show enough upside in a limited role? In fairness, Mbgako is a freshman, and Mike Woodson could be easing him into the college game. Will he eventually entrust Mgbako with more playing time and responsibilities to showcase his upside as an athletic 3-and-D wing? He clearly has interesting tools that are enticing in today's NBA. How quickly Woodson allows Mbgako to spread his wings could determine when he's ultimately coming into the draft.




Alex Karaban

Offense: Karaban's 3-point shooting percentage wasn't great, but his volume (6) was encouraging. His movement, in particular, caught my eye. Off-ball, he sought screening opportunities, while relocating for better availability on jumpers. On-ball, he showed more juice off the dribble than expected getting to the rim, though he doesn't have a ton of athleticism and burst at the rim.


Defense: Karaban got picked on a bit defensively. His lateral quickness is subpar, and opponents rose over him when they got two feet in the paint.


What I'm monitoring going forward: Shooting prowess in a healthy lineup. This UConn team is deep, and this game didn't have Castle in there. An optimized team allows Karaban to be a complementary shooter, and his prowess in that role could determine his NBA future.




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