The Memphis Grizzlies got a basket from Javon Small and took a one-point lead with 2:41 left in the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 10.

Memphis then dominated for the next 12 minutes at Xfinity Mobile Arena. The Grizzlies controlled the game and built a lead as large as 14 points in the third quarter.

Advertisement

But a 16-3 run by the 76ers flipped the momentum, and Philadelphia never slowed down. A career performance from Cameron Payne launched the 76ers to a 139-129 win and extended the Grizzlies’ losing streak to five games.

Injuries continued to be part of the story for the Grizzlies (23-41). Eight players missed the game, including guards Walter Clayton Jr. and Scotty Pippen Jr.

Here’s what stood out from Memphis blowing a 14-point lead.

Memphis native downs Grizzlies

Payne, a former Lausanne Collegiate School star and Memphis native, was a major problem for the Grizzlies. He finished with a career-high 32 points and added 10 assists.

Advertisement

Payne made all six of his 3-point attempts and missed just one shot overall. His three steals and two blocks also contributed to a career night.

Although he played college basketball at Murray State, Payne carries the pride of Memphis with him. No matter where his career takes him, Payne has always referred to Memphis as “home.”

With Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and Paul George all out, the 76ers were missing most of their star power. Kelly Oubre also added 30 points, but Payne was a problem.

Welcome back Ty Jerome, Cedric Coward

Ty Jerome and Cedric Coward missed the Grizzlies’ previous game on March 9 but returned and made notable impacts against the 76ers.

Advertisement

Jerome finished with 26 points and eight assists. His 20 minutes restriction is no longer. He played 25 minutes and longer stints against Philadelphia.

Coward finished with 13 points and 16 rebounds. His rebounding continues to be an impressive part of his game that Memphis hopes to build on.

Both Coward and Jerome helped drive a strong starting-unit performance. All five Grizzlies starters finished with a positive plus-minus.

Grizzlies reserves finished with a 60-50 advantage in bench points, but that was negated by Philadelphia playing its starters more than Memphis.

Standings watch

A five-game losing streak hasn’t resulted in the Grizzlies gaining much ground in the reverse standings. Memphis still holds the eighth-best odds at the No. 1 overall pick.

Advertisement

The Grizzlies will face the Dallas Mavericks (21-44) on March 12 in a pivotal matchup for lottery positioning. Dallas enters the game on an eight-game losing streak and currently holds the seventh-best odds at the top pick, just ahead of Memphis.

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies takeaways, recap from loss vs Philadelphia 76ers