Memphis Grizzlies try out David Roddy as No. 5 starter vs. Miami Heat
The energy on Sunday afternoon between the Miami Heat and Memphis Grizzlies felt like that of a regular-season game.
Heat guard Tyler Herro looked unstoppable as he shook Grizzlies defenders left and right, but Desmond Bane was putting up similar numbers for Memphis. In the frontcourt, Bam Adebayo was going right at Jaren Jackson Jr., and the Grizzlies’ big man returned the favor against the Heat’s defensive standout.
The stars were done before the closing moments of the game, but the energy didn’t change. The teams traded baskets until the Heat went on a 12-0 run midway through the fourth quarter.
The Grizzlies (2-2) were unable to dig out of the hole and lost 132-124 loss at Kaseya Center in Miami.
Bane led the Grizzlies with 26 points on 8-for-17 shooting. Herro scored 30 points, and Adebayo had 26 points and four blocks.
Here are some takeaways from Sunday’s preseason game.
David Roddy joins the starting lineup
The search for a fifth starter continues. Luke Kennard and Ziaire Williams started in the first two preseason games with most of the projected starters. David Roddy got an opportunity against the Heat when he joined Bane, Jackson, Derrick Rose and Santi Aldama, who started in place of Steven Adams.
Roddy got the start, but it was Williams who stood out, who scored 19 points, shooting 7-for-10, with four 3-pointers. Roddy finished with 13 points on 5-for-8 shooting, plus five rebounds and three assists.
Desmond Bane leading the charge
Even with Roddy in the starting lineup, Bane was tasked with guarding Herro, Miami’s top perimeter scorer. That alone speaks to Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins’ confidence in Bane’s defense. He hasn’t been known as a disruptive defender in his career, but he has made several plays in the preseason that suggest he could take a defensive leap.
Herro was still effective, but Bane made him work for his scoring opportunities. With Marcus Smart’s potential return getting close, reigning defensive player of the year Jaren Jackson Jr. and Adams being the defensive anchor, Bane’s growth could complete one of the NBA’s best defensive lineups.
Luke Kennard searching for his shot
Missing 3-pointers felt like something Kennard did only to prove he was human when he joined the Grizzlies last season after the trade deadline. Through three preseason games, though, he has made just 2 of 13 from 3-pointer range.
Teams aren’t giving Kennard as much room as last season, now that the scouting report is out on him, but he still has generated looks you expect him to make. Considering he has led the NBA in 3-point percentage in each of the past two seasons, there’s a strong chance he’ll break out of the slump soon.
What’s next
The Grizzlies will finish their preseason slate Friday against the Bucks in Milwaukee. There is an increasing chance Marcus Smart will make his preseason debut in that game. If he returns, the Grizzlies likely will try to play their regular-season projected starters.
