The Memphis Grizzlies started the game out with an easy basket in the paint from center Jonas Valanciunas. In Denver’s responding possession, the Grizzlies played tight defense to force an early timeout with just three seconds on the shot clock. Nikola Jokic also went to the bench grabbing his knee after appearing to knock knees with Valanciunas, although he was back on the court following the timeout.
Will Barton was unable to get a bucket out of the timeout, but Jokic got a block on Ja Morant in transition. After a Nuggets turnover, there was another easy bucket by Valanciunas.