Milwaukee BucksOpen full analysis
Memphis GrizzliesOpen full analysis
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 125–104 on December 26 at FedExForum, controlling the matchup with balanced scoring and suffocating defense. J. Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 24 points while C. Spencer added 19, as the Grizzlies shot 50.6 percent from the field and made 13 three-pointers to stay well below the 228.5-point Vegas total. Milwaukee's A. Green paced the visitors with 20 points and K. Porter Jr. contributed 16, but the Bucks managed only a 42.9 field-goal percentage and committed 22 turnovers compared to Memphis's 13. The decisive stretch came in the second quarter, when Memphis outscored Milwaukee 35–15 to build a commanding lead that the Bucks never threatened. Memphis's defensive rating of 102.4 held Milwaukee's offensive rating to 102.4, while the Grizzlies' 119.0 offensive rating proved decisive; Memphis also dominated the glass with 48 rebounds to Milwaukee's 42. The loss underscores Milwaukee's ongoing struggles with ball security and perimeter shooting as the season progresses.
