Memphis was the short-handed home team this time with leading scorer Ja Morant sidelined because of right knee soreness. But they got enough offense anyway thanks to reserve De’Anthony Melton, who matched Bane’s 23 points, and Dillon Brooks, who finished with 21. The Grizzlies have won six of seven and are second in the Western Conference.

Memphis squandered a double-digit lead in the second half but pulled away in the fourth quarter, outscoring Brooklyn 29-16.

The Grizzlies lead 76-62 at halftime and by 15 points early in the third quarter, but Brooklyn relied on Durant and Irving to chip away. Brooklyn made 16 of 22 shots in the period and led 104-103 entering the fourth.

TIP-INS

Nets: Have lost five straight in the series. The Grizzlies are the only team the Nets haven’t beaten this season.

Grizzlies: Are 15-2 without Morant. As for Morant’s status, Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said: “He’s dealing with some soreness that crept up in the last couple of days, just offloading that.” ... The win was Memphis’ 50th of the season, the fourth time Memphis has won that many and the first since 2014-15. ... Bane made six three-pointers, moving him past Mike Miller for the most threes by a Grizzlies player in a season.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Irving turned 30 on Wednesday, but it was his coach who got a gift when news emerged that the star could soon play home games.

“I would welcome that,” coach Steve Nash said to laughter.

UP NEXT

Nets: At Miami on Saturday.

Grizzlies: Host Indiana on Thursday.

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