The Memphis Grizzlies fell 117-112 to the Boston Celtics on Friday night at FedExForum, dropping a game that was firmly within reach before slipping away in the fourth quarter.
For most of the night, Memphis controlled how the game was played. The Grizzlies matched Boston’s physicality, dictated tempo, and forced the Celtics into uncomfortable possessions. After trailing by one at halftime, Memphis delivered its most complete stretch in the third quarter, outscoring Boston 34-29 and carrying an 88-84 lead into the final period. Defensive pressure turned into offense, and the ball moved with purpose as Memphis consistently created quality looks.
That control began to erode as the fourth quarter tightened. Boston leaned into its execution, gradually shifting the game, possession by possession. A decisive 21-5 run turned a Memphis lead into a deficit, forcing the Grizzlies to play from behind in the closing minutes. The shift wasn’t built on one play, but on a series of possessions where Boston capitalized and Memphis could not fully close them out.
Rebounding defined those moments. The Celtics outrebounded Memphis 57-35 and converted 18 offensive rebounds into 28 second-chance points. Those extra opportunities extended possessions that should have ended and created new ones when Memphis had already done the work defensively, giving Boston the margin it needed late.
Memphis did not struggle to score. The Grizzlies had seven players finish in double figures, a reflection of how well the offense functioned and how consistently the ball found the right spots throughout the night.
Tyler Burton, playing on a 10-day contract, led the way, off the bench, with a career-high 23 points, knocking down five three-pointers and staying confident throughout the night. Even after a couple early misses, he kept shooting, kept trusting it, and gave Memphis a steady scoring presence when the offense needed one.
“That’s a good team,” Burton said. “I’m happy with the way the guys came together as a collective unit. We played hard and tried to execute the game plan. I think we came close to it.”
Ty Jerome added 16 points and seven assists, helping organize the offense and maintain flow, while DeJon Jarreau, also on a 10-day contract, contributed 13 points and six rebounds off the bench with an energy that showed up on both ends.
“Really nothing to get prepared for because I’m already prepared,” Jarreau said. “I’ve been working for this moment all year… just trying to be solid, play hard, play the right way and do whatever I can to help us get a win.”
Jarreau’s confidence translated into activity, whether pushing the pace, attacking the rim, or competing on the glass in key moments.
Javon Small also finished with 13 points and continues to grow more comfortable within the offense. His confidence has risen as the season has progressed, and it’s showing in how he approaches his opportunities.
“My confidence right now is really high,” Small said. “Maybe the highest it’s been in a while… All it takes is one to see it go in and I’ll be good.”
That confidence is tied to a clearer understanding of the game.
“I think I’m improving, still to this day,” Small said. “At first it was about understanding the offense, understanding the defense… now it’s starting to slow down.”
Taylor Hendricks added 12 points in the frontcourt, while Cam Spencer finished with 11 points and three made threes, continuing to space the floor and keep the defense honest.
Head coach Tuomas Iisalo emphasized both the effort and what ultimately decided the outcome. He described the team’s performance as “amazing,” pointing to how Memphis forced Boston to work for everything with its defensive pressure and physical style of play, while also being clear about what separated the two teams late.
“Unfortunately, we lost the battle for the rebounds today, and that has been the decider in many of these,” Iisalo said. “Offensively, I just think we’re playing with a ton of confidence right now, but also with a lot of trust in each other.”
That trust showed in how Memphis operated offensively. The ball moved, spacing held, and for long stretches, the Grizzlies dictated how the game was played. Their third quarter, played without a turnover, reflected that control and discipline.
Boston simply finished better.
Jaylen Brown led all scorers with 30 points, while Luka Garza added 22 off the bench, including a key fourth-quarter stretch that helped shift momentum. Derrick White made timely plays late as the Celtics executed when the game narrowed to a handful of possessions.
Memphis did enough in multiple areas to win the game. They generated offense, shared the ball, and controlled long stretches against one of the league’s top teams. But in the fourth quarter, the margin tightened, and Boston handled those moments better.
That’s where it was decided.
The Grizzlies won’t have much time to sit with it. They head to Charlotte Saturday for a 6:00 p.m. CT matchup against a Hornets team that has won four of its last five games.