Coward’s double-double leads Grizzlies past Nets

The Grizzlies took control early and beat the Nets 129-110 in Memphis on November 14. Cedric Coward led Memphis with 23 points and 12 rebounds, while Taylor Hendricks set a career best with 22 points. Seven Grizzlies scored at least 10 points, and Memphis has now won three of its last four games.

Memphis made nine of its first 11 three-point attempts and carried a 71-54 advantage into halftime. Brooklyn rallied in the third quarter, trimming the margin to fewer than 10 points, but the Grizzlies restored a 24-point cushion early in the fourth. Javon Small scored 19 for Memphis, and Cam Spencer had 17 points and eight assists.

Julius Randle paced Brooklyn with 22 points. Day’Ron Sharpe added 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Noah Clowney scored 15. The Nets were without Michael Porter Jr., their top scorer and rebounder, who was scratched for personal reasons. Memphis also played without starters Ty Jerome and Zach Edey.

Both teams arrived in Memphis only hours before the game after travel disruptions out of New Orleans. Brooklyn hosts Philadelphia on Monday, while Memphis visits Washington that day.