Sixers were no match for bigger and more talented Memphis Grizzlies in 124-107 loss

Saturday’s game at the Wells Fargo Center can be best described in seven words that one could have never dreamed of being written about a likely NBA championship contender.

The 76ers never really had a chance.

No, really. They literally never had a chance in Saturday night’s 124-107 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

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Sure, they had a nine-point lead in the first half and a good defensive game plan against Ja Morant. But with Joel Embiid and Paul George still sidelined, the Sixers (1-4) were too small and not talented enough to keep up with the Grizzlies (4-3).

Even though Memphis was also undermanned, it still had Morant, one of the league’s best playmakers, leading the show.

Rookie swingman Jaylen Wells filled in nicely for Marcus Smith, who’s sidelined with a sprained right ankle. And the Grizzlies’ frontcourt of Santi Aldama (6-foot-11), Jaren Jackson Jr. (6-11), Zach Edey (7-4), and reserve center Jay Huff (7-1) were also matchup problems for the undersized Sixers.

The huge size advantage enabled Memphis to take a 52-33 rebound advantage.

“We knew coming in, they were going to be fast and play a lot of people,” coach Nick Nurse said. “But you are right. I think we had a difficult time on the glass. We had a difficult time guarding the low post matchup-wise . We had a difficult time with some lob stuff at the rim and here and there. And then they kind of go to a big stretch lineup as well.”

Huff challenged the Sixers with his ability to stretch the floor.

The fourth-year player out of Virginia had 20 points while making 5 of 7 three-pointers to go with five rebounds and a block. But Jackson had the most dominant performance. The power forward finished with a game-high 27 points, with 15 coming in the fourth quarter. He made 11 of 16 shots to go with six rebounds, three steals, and two blocks.

Meanwhile, Morant (18 points, 12 assists), Edey (10 points, career-high 10 rebounds), Aldama (10 points, 13 rebounds), Wells (15 points), and reserve point guard Scotty Pippen Jr. (12 points, career-high 13 assists) also shined.

The Sixers did do some good things.

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Their 19 three-pointers, 22 assists, and 11 steals were season-highs. Rookie guard Jared McCain had a season-high 19 points with 17 coming in the fourth quarter. Tyrese Maxey finished a team-high 23 points.

The Sixers stayed on Morant when he came off screens and showed different looks. But he and the Grizzlies were just more talented as they built a commanding 25-point cushion after intermission.