Southwest Roundup: Grizzlies Skid Continues, Morant–Iisalo Relationship, Zion Cleared, Mavs Trade Talk, Sheppard’s Surge
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Grizzlies routed in Boston
The Memphis Grizzlies dropped their seventh contest in eight outings on Wednesday, falling 128-92 to the Celtics at TD Garden. Memphis converted just 33.7% of its attempts, while Boston hit 50.5%. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo cited the shooting gap but focused on what he called a lack of trademark effort.
“One way to lose is not to make shots,” Iisalo said post-game. “But the Celtics were faster, harder-working and better organized—everything we aspire to be.”
Without Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke in the frontcourt and four injured ball-handlers—Ja Morant, Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr. and Javon Small—Memphis started Vince Williams Jr. at point guard. Iisalo refused to lean on the injuries, noting his club surrendered nearly 40 second-chance points and was “late for several actions” defensively.
Iisalo on coaching Morant
Despite recent tension, Iisalo said working with Morant has been “a pleasure,” praising the guard’s basketball IQ and film study habits. “We have had a lot of dialogue, and we see the game in very similar ways,” he told The Athletic.
Zion moves to full contact
The Pelicans announced that forward Zion Williamson has been cleared for full-contact, on-court activities. Williamson has been out since Nov. 2 with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain.
O’Connor: Mavericks should consider teardown
In the wake of president Nico Harrison’s dismissal, Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports argued Dallas should make virtually all veterans available in trade discussions. O’Connor suggested the Mavericks could position themselves for prospects such as Cooper Flagg in 2026 and floated eight potential Anthony Davis deals, listing Atlanta and Detroit among plausible partners.
Sheppard steps up in Houston
With Fred VanVleet sidelined by a torn ACL, Rockets guard Reed Sheppard has averaged 17.7 points in 26.7 minutes over his last three games, shooting .645 from the field, .619 from deep and .855 at the line. He recorded a season-high 21 points Wednesday versus Washington. “That’s the Reed we like to see,” teammate Kevin Durant said. “He’s playing freely, under control and knocking down shots.”
Source: HoopsRumors
