The Grizzlies had it. It was right there. All they had to do was not be terrible for about 15 seconds. Alas, that was too much to ask.

Recently, Memphis had been quietly climbing the standings. No one noticed or cared outside of city limits, because they climbed from the 6th worst record to the 9th worst record. But this means a lot to the fans and the franchise. Everyone involved wants the Grizzlies to convey their top 8 protected pick to Boston this season, as opposed to owing the tab later. Entering this matchup with Dallas, Memphis had risen to the 9th worst record. Dallas entered one game behind the Grizzlies in the standings. The stakes for this game were huge in a reverse tank race.

Memphis did what it so often has done this season, which is blow a double digit lead. The Grizzlies lead by 14 with 3:55 remaining in the 3rd quarter. The Mavs went on a 17-8 run to close out the quarter, shrinking the lead to five.

Fast forward to the end of the game. Memphis is clinging to a two point lead as Dallas comes up the floor with 15 seconds left. One stop and the Grizzlies win the game. Instead, Dallas got four offensive rebounds, and Salah Mejri scored on a put back attempt with 1.5 seconds left to tie the game. It was an insane sequence.

Memphis ended up losing in overtime, as Mejri nearly won the game by himself.

Now the Grizzlies are tied for the 7th worst record with Dallas, but have the tie breaker so they sit above them in the standings for now.

Observations

1. Delon Wright is presenting a dilemma

Delon Wright had a triple double last night, logging 20 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists. His great quickness and explosion was on full display.

He also exhibited his underrated passing vision.

Wright is headed toward restricted free agency. Having his restricted rights appear to be the reason the Grizzlies wanted to obtain him at the deadline. However, he may be pricing himself right out of town. It only takes one team to come with a big offer sheet Memphis is unwilling to match. It also might be hard to watch a talented 26 year old walk away for nothing when he was part of the return when you shipped out a franchise icon.

2. Justin Holiday exploded

We’re not the biggest fans of the Justin Holiday trade, but last night he showed out. Holiday finished with 30 points and went 6/11 from downtown. Holiday bombing threes late in the 4th and late in overtime was essentially why this game was as close as it was in the first place.

Holiday may think he is a much better shooter than he is in actuality, but at least he has moxey in the biggest moments.

3. Tyler Zeller

In the latest edition of the Grizzlies let the Family Guy Manatees make roster decisions, the team signed Tyler Zeller. Why did they do that? Who knows. But surprisingly enough, Zeller was very effective in this game. He finished with 15 points on 6/9 from the field, added 5 rebounds, and had a raw plus/minus of 16.

Questions

1. How does this happen?

In the first 1:29 of overtime, Mejri won the jump ball, scored seven points on 3/3 shooting, including hitting a straight on three, blocked a shot, and grabbed two rebounds. Mejri put overtime away before it even started.

Memphis did fight back to make it close, but Mejri won this game for Dallas. He finished with 19 points on 7/12 shooting to go along with 9 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 3 assists.

2. Is Bruno Caboclo closer?

Bruno is now maybe a single year away from being a single year away. Bruno had a double-double last night with 13 points and 17 rebounds. He also added four assists. Perhaps next year we can begin to gush over what might be in store for Caboclo in 2021.

Prediction

The Grizzlies have two games left; at Detroit and home against Golden State. The Pistons will be fighting for their playoff lives and claim a victory, while the Warriors won’t play anyone of significant on the last day of the regular season. Memphis ends up 33-49 on the year, but it isn’t enough to climb to the 9th worst record.