The Memphis Grizzlies came away with a 125-118 home win over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night at FedExForum, using a decisive third quarter to swing a close game in their favor. Memphis trailed by one at halftime, then outscored Denver 39-31 in the third and did enough in the final period to close it out. In a makeup game from Jan. 25, the Grizzlies improved to 24-44, while the Nuggets fell to 42-28.
Quarter-by-quarter breakdown
First quarter: Both teams opened with steady offensive rhythm, and Memphis edged Denver 31-30 after one. The Grizzlies matched the Nuggets possession for possession early, setting the tone for a competitive night.
Second quarter: Denver was slightly better in the second, taking the quarter 30-29 to carry a 60-59 lead into halftime. The Nuggets continued to move the ball well, and their efficiency helped them stay just in front despite Memphis keeping the pressure on.
Third quarter: This was the turning point. Memphis put up 39 points in the period and took control of the game with its most productive stretch of the night. After trailing at the break, the Grizzlies found another level offensively, creating separation against a Denver team that had been consistent through the first half.
Fourth quarter: Denver tried to work back into it and scored 27 points in the final frame, but Memphis answered with 26 and held off the push. The Grizzlies kept enough scoring on the board and made the key plays needed to protect their lead the rest of the way.
Key performers
Ty Jerome led Memphis with 21 points and added 9 rebounds and 9 assists, finishing just short of a triple-double in one of his most complete games of the season. He set the tone for a balanced Grizzlies attack and impacted the game across multiple areas.
Memphis also benefited from team-wide production, finishing with 125 points despite shooting 42.9% from the field. The Grizzlies made 16 three-pointers and went 25-for-32 at the free throw line, key numbers in a game decided by seven points.
For Denver, Nikola Jokic led all scorers with 29 points while adding 14 rebounds, 9 assists and 3 blocks. Jamal Murray directed much of the offense and led the Nuggets with 12 assists as Denver finished with 34 assists as a team.
Game analysis
The biggest difference in the game was Memphis’ third-quarter burst. In a matchup that was nearly even through two quarters, the Grizzlies used that 39-point period to create the margin they would protect the rest of the night. Denver was efficient overall, shooting 48.9% from the field and 36.1% from three, but Memphis generated extra value with volume and trips to the line.
The Grizzlies attempted 98 shots to Denver’s 90 and got to the foul line 32 times compared with 22 attempts for the Nuggets. That helped offset Denver’s stronger shooting percentages. Memphis also held a slight rebounding edge, 48-46, and got enough timely offense to keep Denver from fully erasing the third-quarter deficit.
Denver’s ball movement remained a positive throughout the night, reflected in its 34 assists, but the Nuggets could not quite slow Memphis during the game’s most important stretch. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, showed the value of balanced production and pace, with Jerome’s all-around line standing out at the center of it.
Closing context
The win moves Memphis to 24-44 and gives the Grizzlies a quality result against a Denver team that entered at 42-27 and remains in the Western Conference playoff race at 42-28 after the loss. For Memphis, this was a strong home performance in a makeup spot on its schedule. For Denver, the result is a missed road opportunity in a tightly packed conference race where every late-season game carries added weight.
