MEMPHIS — For two minutes, the Nets lost their composure.
And we lost the match.
The Nets stalemate on a third-quarter onslaught and lost to the Grizzlies 135-119 before scoring 15,983 points at FedEx Forum.
It was a tough game, with Dennis Schroder and Jay Morant learning their craft in the second half and Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins refusing to shake the former's hand after the game.
It caused another mess when the pair had to be separated.
Morant scored a game-high 28 points and enjoyed taunting the Nets, from moving to the bench before dunking to striding upcourt right in Jordi Fernandez's face late in the first half.
But it was a two-minute implosion in the third that turned a two-goal deficit into a blowout loss, as Brooklyn spewed out a 13-0 run that included two technical fouls, delayed the game, and prevented Nick Claxton from returning to defense. . He allowed a pathetic 3-point shot.
This was the first loss against the Grizzlies this season.
Brooklyn (10-15) appeared poised for a sweep after winning both of its scheduled contests, but failed to advance in the NBA Cup, adding a third Memphis date. It was done.
This will be the first time since the 1978-79 season that they will play three games against a Western opponent.
The Nets, who were in a surprising 8th place in the Eastern Conference, have fallen to 10th place, just 0.5 games behind No. 11 Detroit, who will be in the lottery.
I'm sure many tank enthusiasts will be happy with this.
