McConnell Scores 16, Sixers Lose 112-106 To Grizzles
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Mike Conley scored a season-high 32 points, including 21 after halftime, as the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the shorthanded Philadelphia 76ers 112-106 in overtime on Saturday night.
Marc Gasol finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds as Memphis remained undefeated at home. Garrett Temple added 17 for the Grizzlies.
J.J. Redick led the Sixers with 20 points, while Ben Simmons finished with 18 points and 14 rebounds. T.J. McConnell had 16 points and seven assists, including a key fourth-quarter offensive burst.
Joel Embiid had 14 points and 14 rebounds for Philadelphia, but was 4 of 15 from the field.
The game came hours after reports that the Sixers will trade starters Robert Covington and Dario Saric, along with reserve Jerryd Bayless, to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for All-Star Jimmy Butler. That left the Sixers short-handed, because the players involved in the trade did not dress for Philadelphia.
The Sixers valiantly fought through and appeared to be on the way to only their second win in seven road games this season. But Garrett Temple's 3-pointer with 39.5 seconds left in regulation sent the game into the extra period tied at 102.
In overtime, Memphis built a couple of early four-point advantages before Conley took the margin to the final six-point margin on two free throws with 7.6 second remaining.
The game marked the second time in two nights Philadelphia went to overtime. The Sixers defeated the Charlotte Hornets 133-132 in overtime Friday night.
Philadelphia led 63-50 at halftime.
Memphis opened the second half with a 22-8 run, as Conley had 13 points in the stretch. And the Grizzlies eventually took the lead at 72-71 on a layup by Conley.
But Conley went to the bench for a rest, Memphis lost its momentum and the Sixers retook the lead, holding an 80-74 advantage entering the fourth.
There were six lead changes and four ties in the fourth.
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