MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The message for the Grizzlies going into Game 5 against the Warriors was just to just focus on getting a win, taking it one possession at a time.
Even without Ja Morant, the Grizzlies were able to take down the Warriors 134-95 in an elimination game to survive to a Game 6, making it the team’s highest-scoring performance in the team’s postseason history.
The Grizzlies said this win wasn’t a statement to the Warriors, but one for themselves.
“This was a very impressive win for our group,” said Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins. “Great bounce back for sure.”
“We know how to respond,” said forward Dillon Brooks. “We know how to play with each other better than any team in NBA.”
Everything clicked for the Grizzlies in an explosive 39-point win in an elimination game. The Grizzlies did everything they needed to do with as far as technique, game plan, and habits, according to Jenkins.
Desmond Bane, Tyus Jones, and Jaren Jackson Jr. all finished tied with a game-high 21 points.
“Makes my job easy,” said Jones. “I tell Jaren every night [to] dominate. That should be his mindset. Same with Des. We’re hungry. We’re, fighting.”
The Grizzlies are energized and locked in with all eyes on Game 6. They’ll continue to have their next-man-up mentality.
“To use our players’ phrase ‘we deep’,” said Jenkins. “It’s as simple as that. I think we say that not arrogantly. We say that confidently because anybody that steps out on the floor can make an impact for us.”
“It’s just been something that we’ve prided ourselves on all year as we’ve got a bunch of hoopers on this team,” Jones said. “We’ve got a bunch of guys who can play ball, a bunch of different guys who can step up on a night-to-night basis. [You] never know whose name is going to be called and we try to use that to our advantage.”
Jones has continued to have success leading the Grizzlies offense for an injured Morant.
“He’s been doing it since December,” said Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane. “Ja has been out. He missed 25 games. Ja is obviously a great player, but you know, I think we won twenty of those games.”
“Coach [and] the guys they just tell me to be me, be myself,” Jones said. “So I just go out there and play with confidence. I don’t try to go out there and be 12 [Morant] or do what he does. He’s one of one. So I just go out there, try to be me, and continue to lead these guys.”
Game 6 is scheduled for Friday night at Chase Center. Tip off is set for 9 p.m. CST.