Grizzlies use explosive first half to cruise past Hawks

Scotty Pippen Jr. scored 22 points starting in place of the injured Ja Morant on Saturday to lead the visiting Memphis Grizzlies to a 128-112 win over the Atlanta Hawks.

Memphis was playing without Morant because of lingering back soreness. Pippen entered the game averaging 10.2 points and turned in his second-best scoring performance of the season, only bested by a 30-point effort against Chicago on Nov. 23.

Pippen was 9-for-12 from the field and 3-for-4 on 3-point tries to go along with five rebounds, nine assists and two steals. He scored 17 in the first half to help the Grizzlies carry a 73-49 lead into the break.

Desmond Bane added 23 points, including four 3-pointers, as Memphis won its second straight game and improved to 6-1 over its last seven.

Atlanta was led by De'Andre Hunter's 26 points off the bench. Dyson Daniels added 15 points, six assists and six steals. The Hawks were missing Trae Young with a bruised heel and lost their third straight.

Morant's absence didn't seem to bother the Grizzlies, who jumped out to a 12-2 lead and led 43-27 after the first quarter.

Memphis shot 61.5 percent from the field in the opening quarter and drilled 8 of 13 3-pointers. The Hawks made just four triples and committed eight turnovers.

The Grizzlies never let their foot off the gas. They preserved their 24-point halftime cushion and led 100-76 after three quarters.

However, Memphis lost Marcus Smart to an injured left index finger in the second quarter. He was limited to nine minutes and scored nine points.

It is the latest injury this season to the 11th-year veteran, who has already missed time with a right ankle sprain, an illness and left shoulder soreness.

Both teams return to action on Monday. Atlanta will host Minnesota, while Memphis returns home to play the LA Clippers.

--Field Level Media