The Memphis Grizzlies had a second chance.

A little more than one week ago, they were 13-14 before their home game against the Washington Wizards, but blew a 20-point lead and lost 130-122. The Grizzlies players recently talked about how that was a missed opportunity they were hoping to avenge.

The second chance came on Dec. 28, also against the Wizards, this time at Capital One Arena. Memphis, which was 15-16 going in, went on a 19-0 run late in the third quarter and took a nine-point lead. At that moment, it looked like the Grizzlies would pull away. Instead, the Wizards (7-23) responded with a 25-7 run and held on to win 116-112.

Memphis hasn’t had a .500 record or better since Oct. 31, and this was an opportunity to create momentum before a stretch of six consecutive games against teams currently over .500. That gauntlet will start with a home game against the Philadelphia 76ers (16-14) on Dec. 30 (7 p.m. CT, FanDuel Sports Network).

Here’s how the Grizzlies squandered their recent chance at evening their record.

Grizzlies’ fourth-quarter struggles

Memphis led 88-79 after its 19-0 run and still had a four-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.

From that point on, the Grizzlies struggled, shooting 8-for-24 in the quarter while Washington converted 54.5% of its baskets and scored 32 points.

The Wizards are one of the NBA’s worst fourth-quarter teams, but they somehow dominated in this game. Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. combined for 15 points in the fourth, with Jackson making just two of eight shots in the process. Three of Morant’s points came with 6 seconds left after the game was close to being decided.

The Grizzlies didn’t get enough from their stars or role players when it mattered most.

Rebounding woes for Memphis

Not only are the Grizzlies still without Zach Edey, but backup center Jock Landale was ruled out shortly before the game.

Without the two centers, Memphis was dominated on the glass, getting out-rebounded 54-43 overall. A 23-12 Wizards advantage in second-chance points was ultimately one of the biggest differences.

The Wizards shot 42.4% from the field and 24.2% on 3-pointers, but rebounding was one of their biggest generators of offense.

Cam Spencer’s hot streak ends

Cam Spencer had been cooking. He entered the game having scored double figures in 14 straight games. He also had at least one made 3-pointer in 16 straight appearances.

Both of those streaks came to an end. He finished with eight points and missed all five of his 3-point attempts.

Spencer did have seven assists, but his scoring production was part of a bigger issue from the reserves. The Grizzlies didn’t have a player reach double figures in scoring off the bench.

Three Washington reserves topped 10 points. Memphis, which leads the NBA with 47.1 bench points per game, was outscored 42-24.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope left the game in the first half with a hamstring injury. With Landale also out, the options were limited.

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.