MEMPHIS, Tennessee — It was supposed to be a homecoming for James Wiseman. Instead, he stayed home. In the end, the Golden State Warriors did just fine without him.
Wiseman, the former University of Memphis star and the second overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft, did not play for the Warriors in Friday night’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedExForum. The Grizzlies missed an opportunity to defend their home court, losing to the Warriors 116-103. Wiseman was held out for the NBA’s “health and safety protocols,” which outline procedures for how the league deals with the coronavirus.
The Grizzlies were paced by Ja Morant who dropped in 14 points and contributed 2 assists. Jonas Valanciunas, who had yet another double-double, scoring 10 points and grabbing 16 rebounds. The Warriors’ top scorer was Andrew Wiggins with 40 points.
The Warriors fought to a 67-48 halftime lead behind 27 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals by Wiggins. Grayson Allen’s hot hand (5-6 from the field) paced the Grizzlies in the first half with 12 points. Allen hit both of the 3-point shots he took in the first half, while the rest of the Grizzlies were 0-8 from beyond the arc.
Warriors superstar and three-point maestro Stephen Curry did not play in the game due to a tailbone injury.
Friday’s game was the first time the two teams met this season. The Warriors improved to 22-20 with the win. With the loss, the Grizzlies fell to 18-20 on the year. The same two teams play each other Saturday night at the FedExForum in downtown Memphis.
