The Memphis Grizzlies took down the visiting Washington Wizards on Friday, 112-103.
Point guard Mike Conley, who received the largest contract in NBA history over the offseason, took control of the game for the Grizzlies (2-1), scoring a team-high 24 points while also playing the role of primary distributor and dishing out 11 assists. The Wizards were able to keep the game close until the start of overtime, but from there Memphis simply took over. The Grizzlies held their opponents to just three points in OT, scoring 12 for themselves. The bench provided energy for the Grizzlies throughout, as veterans Vince Carter and Zach Randolph combined for 40 points and led the second unit push to the win.
The Wizards (0-2), meanwhile, kept the game competitive despite a tough performance behind the arc. The team shot just 20 percent from long range, including 2 of 8 from beyond the arc for shooting guard Bradley Beal. Washington also saw limited bench contributions, with multiple starters pushing 40 minutes and no member of the second unit scoring in double digits. Ultimately, the Grizzlies’ support from the bench carried into overtime, where they substantially outscored a heavily-used Washington starting unit.
The Grizzlies will face the Timberwolves on Tuesday, while the Wizards will rest until hosting the Raptors on Wednesday.
