Jonas Valanciunas leads Grizzlies over Warriors, 122-120

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Jonas Valanciunas had 31 points and a season-high 19 rebounds and the Memphis Grizzlies dominated the second half, beating Golden State 122-102 on Sunday night to hand the Warriors their eighth straight loss.

Valanciunas was 13 of 17 from the field, including a 3-pointer to help the Grizzlies win their fifth straight. Jaren Jackson Jr. finished with 21 points, while Ja Morant had 11 points and 10 assists. Tyus Jones and Grayson Allen also had 11 points each, Allen converting all three of his 3- pointers.

D’Angelo Russell, who missed the previous six games with a right shoulder contusion, led the Warriors with 34 points. Alec Burks and Jordan Poole each had 13.

The first half started with poor shooting, both teams going to intermission hitting about 40% of their shots.

The teams settled into a closely played half, Memphis holding a 60-59 advantage at halftime.

Russell had 18 points to lead the Warriors. Valanciunas already had a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Valanciunas would continue his dominance in the third, crashing the boards and cashing in on second-chance points. Then a 3-pointer. By the time he headed to the bench for a break late in the third, the center had 15 points in the quarter, drawing a standing ovation from the Memphis faithful. Memphis built the lead to 20 and a 95-76 advantage after three.

TIP-INS

Warriors: C Omari Spellman started his second game of the season. “We’re rewarding him for how well he’s playing,” coach Steve Kerr said. Spellman finished with 12 points. … Have lost seven straight road games and 13 of last 14 on the road. … Their last win was Dec. 27 against Phoenix 105-96. … Draymond Green passed Tom Meschery (3,885) for sole possession of 12th on the Warriors’ rebounds list.

Grizzlies: Valanciunas had his 20th double-double of the season. The 31 points were one short of his season high of 32 against Chicago on Dec. 4. … Morant has seven games with at least 10 assists. … Jackson has a 3-pointer in 28 straight games. … Memphis outscored the Warriors 62-26 in the paint, the 14th time this season its has scored at least 60 points in the paint. … Brandon Clarke matched his season high with 11 rebounds.

UP NEXT

Warriors: Open a three-game homestand against Dallas on Tuesday night.

Grizzlies: Host Houston on Tuesday night.

———

More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/tag/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports