The teams were tied at 104 with 4:15 left. Memphis scored the next seven points, capped by a 3-pointer from De’Anthony Melton, who had 14 points on the night. LeVert’s 3-pointer with 11.4 seconds left pulled Brooklyn within 113-110, but the Nets could get no closer.
Memphis lost momentum when Valanciunas did not come out for the second half due to the health and safety protocols. What had been Memphis domination on the boards quickly changed, and the Nets began shooting better than they had in the first half.
In the third quarter, LeVert would connect on 6 of 8 from the field, including all five of his 3-pointers to pull the Nets back into the game.
Nets: If Durant continues to test negative, he could return to action Sunday against he Thunder. … Asked several times before the game about Irving’s absence for personal reasons, Brooklyn coach Steve Nash said he talked to the guard, but would keep those conversations private. … LeVert passed Richard Jefferson for 13th on the Nets’ career 3-pointers made list.
Grizzlies: Beat the Nets in Brooklyn 116-111 in overtime on Dec. 28 and have now won four straight over Brooklyn … Wrapped up a four-game homestand, their longest of the season’s first half. … G Tim Frazier, signed by the Grizzlies on Jan. 4, saw his first action in the second quarter.
UP NEXT
Nets: Host Oklahoma City on Sunday.
Grizzlies: Open a three-game road trip Monday in Cleveland against the Cavaliers, who defeated the Grizzlies 94-90 on Thursday.
