In the first preseason game for both clubs in 2023, the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Indiana Pacers 127-122 in overtime on Sunday at FedExForum.
The league’s current Defensive Player of the Year, Jaren Jackson Jr., led Memphis with 18 points, two steals, and five blocks. Desmond Bane finished second with 17 points. Santi Aldama contributed 10 points and eight rebounds, while Derrick Rose scored 13 points in his first preseason game for the Grizzlies.
Jake LaRavia (15 points) and Kenneth Lofton Jr. (11 points), both second-year players, scored all of their points in the fourth quarter and overtime. LaRavia made a dunk-and-one with 5.3 seconds left to put the game out of reach. Over the last 1:50 of overtime, Memphis scored the game’s final five points.
With 19 points and nine rebounds off the bench, Jarace Walker, the eighth overall selection in the 2023 NBA Draft, led Indiana, and Bennedict Mathurin finished with 18 points. T.J. McConnell contributed 11 points and eight assists, while Ben Sheppard, the 26th overall selection, scored 15 points while playing off the bench.
17 lead changes and 17 ties occurred throughout the game. On Tuesday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. CT, the Memphis Grizzlies will play host to the Milwaukee Bucks at FedExForum in their second and final preseason game. Local viewers may tune in on Bally Sports Southeast or 92.9 FM ESPN.
