MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Memphis Grizzlies survived a second-half rally to defeat the Brooklyn Nets 103-98 on Sunday at FedExForum. Memphis built a 15-point lead with a 34-point first quarter but saw Brooklyn erase the deficit and tie the game late. The Grizzlies sealed the win with a 10-2 run in the final three minutes, keyed by a 3-pointer from Cedric Coward and a driving score from Santi Aldama. Aldama led Memphis with 15 points and eight rebounds. Cam Spencer added 12 points and 12 assists. For Brooklyn, Tyrese Martin scored 17 points and Noah Clowney added 17. The Grizzlies improved to 17-22. The Nets fell to 11-25.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Interstat) — In a game defined by a dominant start and a frantic, contested finish, the Memphis Grizzlies held off a furious second-half rally by the Brooklyn Nets to secure a 103-98 victory on Sunday afternoon at FedExForum. A crowd of 15,578 saw the Grizzlies, propelled by a blistering first-quarter offensive display, build a commanding lead that nearly evaporated before a series of clutch plays in the final minute sealed the win. The victory improved Memphis to 17-22 on the season, while Brooklyn fell to 11-25. The most critical phase of the contest was undoubtedly the opening period, where Memphis established a cushion it would desperately need later. The Grizzlies erupted for 34 points in the first quarter, shooting with efficiency and forcing the Nets into a reactive mode. Forward Cedric Coward, who finished with 21 points and eight rebounds, was instrumental early, scoring 11 points in the frame. His backcourt partner, guard Cam Spencer, orchestrated the offense with precision, dishing out five of his game-high 12 assists in the first. Center Jock Landale of Melbourne, Australia, added nine early points as Memphis raced to a 34-23 lead, a deficit from which Brooklyn spent the rest of the afternoon trying to recover. The Nets, however, refused to capitulate. They methodically chipped away at the Memphis advantage, using a strong third quarter where they outscored the Grizzlies 24-16. Forward Noah Clowney of Spartanburg, South Carolina, led the charge with 17 points, while guard Tyrese Martin added 17 off the bench, many coming from beyond the arc. The Brooklyn defense tightened, and the momentum visibly shifted. By the fourth quarter, what was once a 17-point Grizzlies lead had been completely erased. A three-pointer by Brooklyn’s Terance Mann with 3:28 remaining tied the game at 90, capping a remarkable comeback and setting the stage for a tense finale. The game’s decisive sequence unfolded in the final 60 seconds with the score knotted at 98. After a Memphis miss, Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama secured a critical offensive rebound. The extra possession proved vital, as Coward drained a 25-foot three-pointer off an assist from Spencer with 59.6 seconds left, putting Memphis ahead for good at 101-98. Brooklyn had multiple opportunities to answer but came up empty on several three-point attempts in the final minute. Aldama then delivered the final dagger, sinking an 8-foot floating jumper with 37 seconds remaining to extend the lead to five. A final Nets miss and two free throws from Jaren Jackson provided the final margin. Aldama, named the top star for Memphis, delivered a complete performance with 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two blocks, including a key swat on a Day’Ron Sharpe layup attempt during the fourth-quarter fight. His activity on both ends, particularly the game-sealing rebound and basket, underscored his importance. For Brooklyn, the effort was led by its bench and interior presence. Center Day’Ron Sharpe of Greenville, North Carolina, posted a strong line of eight points and 13 rebounds, while forward Danny Wolf recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 boards. The Nets’ resilience after the disastrous start was notable, but their inability to execute in the closing moments against Memphis’s timely defense was the difference. The Grizzlies’ Spencer complemented his dozen assists with 12 points, and Landale finished with 16 points and nine rebounds. Jackson added 14 points, five rebounds and three blocks for Memphis. The game’s outcome defied the pregame betting total, as the combined score of 201 fell well under the over/under line of 222.5, largely due to Brooklyn’s defensive adjustments after the first quarter. Memphis covered the pregame spread of -6.5. Brooklyn continues its road trip Monday in Dallas, while Memphis is off until a Thursday matchup in Orlando.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Interstat) — Two teams looking to halt recent slides will meet Sunday when the Brooklyn Nets visit the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. The Nets (11-23) enter on a three-game losing streak, including a heartbreaking 104-103 home loss to Orlando on Wednesday. Brooklyn’s offense has been inconsistent, scoring 96 points or fewer in three of its last four defeats. The Grizzlies (16-21) have lost four of their last five, most recently a 117-98 defeat to Phoenix on Wednesday. Brooklyn will lean on forward Michael Porter, who has been a bright spot amid the team’s struggles. Porter is averaging 26.1 points and 7.6 rebounds over his last eight games, including a 34-point performance in the loss to Orlando. His scoring surge has provided a crucial offensive outlet for a Nets team that ranks in the bottom third of the league in offensive rating. For Memphis, guard Javon Small has seen increased opportunity. He logged a season-high 20 minutes against Phoenix, responding with 14 points, seven assists and three rebounds. His playmaking will be key against a Nets defense that has allowed an average of 113.8 points per game. Despite their sub-.500 record, the Grizzlies have been stronger at home, posting a 10-9 mark in Memphis. The Nets are just 4-13 on the road. Brooklyn’s last victory came on Jan. 4, a 127-115 win over Denver fueled by Porter’s 27 points and 11 rebounds. The teams have not met this season. Following this contest, Brooklyn begins a challenging road trip with a back-to-back in Dallas on Monday. Memphis has a three-day break before hosting Orlando next Thursday. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. EST Sunday.