It’s one of the duels of the evening: Ja Morant against Trae Young. Unfortunately for Grizzlies fans, the clash between the two new generation super leaders came to an end. Hit in the left knee, Ja Morant returned to the locker room in the middle of the first act.
Gradually, the Hawks took control of the game. Without his playing master, Memphis was initially able to count on a fit Dillon Brooks to resist. But for 15 days, the Hawks have released a real collective force and the machine begins to set in motion (29-21).
In charge of the pack, Trae Young obviously. Not content with being very skilful, he perfectly dictates the tempo of the meeting. He knows he can find Clint Capela very easily on a two-man game near the circle or John Collins on a more offshore game. It’s getting harder and harder for Memphis. Despite some shots from De’Anthony Melton, this team is too little dangerous in attack to endanger Atlanta. Defensively, it’s very hard to find solutions to the multiple offensive options of their opponents. At the break, visitors lead 62-48.
The return of the locker room is terrible for the Grizzlies. Despite the encouragement of their fans, Brooks and his gang are going to crack completely They will cash a terrible 26-4. Worn by Young and Collins, the Hawks roll. Collectively it’s perfect and the bill is steep for the Grizzlies … Too fast, too powerful and just too strong for their opponents, the Hawks have folded the meeting. At the buzzer of the 3rd quarter, Trae Young punctuates his performance with a huge long-distance shot (105-66).
The last act is not much use … The opportunity to see Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot in play. But Memphis heads elsewhere and the stars of the Hawks on the bench can smile. A great victory for Nate McMillan’s men. The 7th in a row.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Ja Morant’s injury. Seeing him unable to lean on his knee is not reassuring, and initial examinations revealed a sprain. Following a knee to knee with John Collins, the Grizzlies star lay down on the floor and had to return to the locker room. He never returned to the field. When we know the importance of Ja Morant in the collective of the Grizzlies… Tonight, all the Memphis fans are holding their breath, but also the others, the leader being one of the most spectacular players in the league.
– The Hawks Act 3. After a sluggish start to the season, Atlanta seems to have found its cruising speed. This evening, they performed a third act of high quality. Stifling in defense and altruistic in attack, they inflicted a terrible 26-4 on their opponents. Collectively, the desire to share the ball is obvious. As in the last playoffs, they show real solidarity in the game but also in the behavior.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Trae Young. When he’s like that he’s unplayable and it’s hard to beat the Hawks. Too good on pick-and-roll, he had fun tonight. Able to score as he sees fit, he was able to find Clint Capela very easily as soon as the defensive help presented itself. Tonight, he only plays 27 minutes and scores 31 points. He also distilled 10 assists. Like his team, he has been gaining momentum for several matches.
✅ Clint Chapel. Faced with Steven Adams, Clint Capela walked around. Too fast and too airy for the New Zealander, the Swiss delivered his best game of the season. With a point guard like Trae Young, he just has to put his screen down, open towards the circle, and the ball will land in his hands. 23 points for him tonight with 17 rebounds including 5 offensive.
⛔ Years Jackson Jr. After Ja Morant’s injury, it was he who should have taken over as leader. Unfortunately, he was dominated by John Collins tonight. Despite a good start to the game, he was never dominant in attack. Too much carried away by the outside shot, he struggled to impose himself physically. Like his average start to the season, “Triple J” must do better. His leader may be absent for several games, it is up to him to show that he has the shoulders to support his team.
THE FOLLOWING
Atlanta (11-9) : Trae Young against the Knicks, it’s a poster not to be missed, and it’s this Saturday in Atlanta.
Memphis (9-10) : Without Ja Morant, the Grizzlies host the Kings on Sunday night.
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