Hustle stop Spurs in first road encounter
The Memphis Hustle, the Memphis Grizzlies’ NBA G League affiliate, knocked off the Austin Spurs 103-94 at H-E-B Center Friday, improving to 3-2 in the Showcase Cup. It was the Hustle’s first contest away from home for the 2021-22 season.
Shaq Buchanan led Memphis with a team-high 23 points to go with seven rebounds and two assists. Matthew Hurt set a career high with 20 points (6-11 FG, 4-8 3P), four rebounds and two blocks off the bench. Ahmad Caver added 19 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. Yves Pons totaled 18 points (6-11 FG, 2-5 3P) and seven rebounds.
Devontae Cacok scored a game-high 25 points (8-14 FG) and grabbed eight rebounds for Austin. Damyean Dotson posted a double-double with 21 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Jaylen Morris added 19 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
After leading 93-72 through the first three quarters, Memphis was held to 12 percent shooting in the fourth quarter as the Spurs narrowed the lead to just seven points, 101-94. Despite shooting 2-for-17 in the fourth quarter, Memphis didn’t allow a field goal in the final 2:30 of play, helping to stave off Austin and pick up its third win in its last four games.
Memphis broke the game open with an 18-4 run in the first quarter, taking a commanding 36-15 lead. Caver paced Memphis early with 12 of his 19 points coming in the first 12 minutes. The Hustle shot 59 percent from the floor and 50 percent from 3 in the opening quarter, taking a 36-22 lead into the second quarter.
Buchanan scored 10 points in the third quarter, helping Memphis to its largest lead of the night, 80-54. Memphis outscored Austin 23-7 in the first three quarters in points off turnovers.
The Hustle return to action tomorrow, Nov. 27, at 7:30 p.m. in Game 2 against the Austin Spurs. Fans unable to attend can catch the game on NBAGLeague.com.
DeSoto County News Service
