Memphis Grizzlies defeats Indiana Pacers 125-106
Game Review: Grizzlies Claw Past Pacers, 125-106
The Memphis Grizzlies overpowered the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night, securing a 125-106 victory at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 1st, 2026. Despite a strong start from Indiana, Memphis controlled the game's tempo in the second half, ultimately proving too much for the Pacers to handle. The Grizzlies’ balanced attack and stifling defense proved to be the difference in this 2025 regular season matchup.
Game Flow
The first quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to establish a significant lead. Indiana came out firing, but Memphis responded with consistent scoring from Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., ending the quarter tied at Q1: 34-34. The second quarter saw the Grizzlies begin to take control. While Indiana struggled to find consistent offense, Memphis's defense tightened, and they closed the half with a 31-26 advantage, leading 65-60 at halftime.
The third quarter continued the trend established in the second. Memphis maintained their defensive intensity, forcing Indiana into tough shots and turnovers. Jaren Jackson Jr. continued his strong performance, adding eight points in the quarter. The Grizzlies extended their lead to 91-83 after three quarters of play (Q3: 23-26). The fourth quarter saw the Grizzlies pull away decisively. A quick 10-2 run to start the quarter effectively sealed the game for Memphis, as Indiana couldn't recover. The Pacers struggled to find any offensive rhythm, while the Grizzlies continued to execute their game plan effectively, finishing with a commanding 19-point victory (Q4: 23-34).
Highlight Players
Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies): Morant was the driving force for the Grizzlies, showcasing his explosive athleticism and scoring prowess. He finished with 31 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists, consistently attacking the basket and creating opportunities for his teammates. His ability to penetrate the defense and finish through contact was crucial for Memphis’s success.
Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies): Jackson Jr. was a dominant force on both ends of the court, contributing significantly to Memphis's victory. He recorded a double-double with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks. His defensive presence, particularly his shot-blocking ability, disrupted Indiana's offensive flow and provided valuable second-chance opportunities for the Grizzlies.
Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers): Despite the loss, Haliburton delivered a strong performance for the Pacers. He led his team with 25 points, 12 assists, and 5 rebounds. However, his efforts weren’t enough to overcome the Grizzlies' overall team performance. He struggled with his shooting efficiency, shooting 8-22 from the field.
Team Stats Breakdown
The Memphis Grizzlies showcased a dominant performance across the board. They shot an impressive FG% 55.8% from the field, compared to the Pacers’ 42.1%. Points in the paint were heavily favored towards Memphis, 66-42. Rebounding was also a key factor, with the Grizzlies securing 48 rebounds to the Pacers’ 38.
Assists were relatively even, with Memphis recording 28 and Indiana notching 30. However, turnovers proved costly for the Pacers, committing 18 compared to Memphis’s 12. The Grizzlies also capitalized on their opportunities, scoring 22 points off turnovers compared to Indiana's 14. Memphis also had a significant advantage in second-chance points, 20-8, showcasing their dominance on the glass. The final free throw count saw Memphis going 21-28 (75%) while Indiana shot 14-18 (77.8%).
Indiana Pacers: FG% 42.1%, 3PT% 34.8%, FT% 77.8%, Rebounds 38, Assists 30, Turnovers 18, Points in the Paint 42
Memphis Grizzlies: FG% 55.8%, 3PT% 40%, FT% 75%, Rebounds 48, Assists 28, Turnovers 12, Points in the Paint 66
Next Game Preview
The Indiana Pacers will look to bounce back when they travel to Los Angeles to face the Clippers on March 4th, 2026. This will be a tough test for the Pacers against a strong Western Conference contender. The game is scheduled for 10:30 PM EST at Crypto.com Arena. The Pacers will need a much more consistent offensive performance and tighter defense to secure a win on the road.