Memphis Grizzlies drop third straight as comeback attempt falls short

A slow start to the Memphis Grizzlies' 2023-24 season continued Saturday night. They trailed by as many as 25 points before getting the deficit to single digits, but their comeback efforts fell short in a 113-106 loss to the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena.

Memphis is about 24 hours removed from a nail-biting loss to the Denver Nuggets at home. The game against the Wizards (1-1) wasn't as close. Memphis (0-3) was able to get as close as seven points in the the fourth quarter, but Washington responded each time.

Former Grizzlies guard Tyus Jones helped Washington seal the deal with four made 3-pointers and 14 points. Jordan Poole led the Wizards with 26 points.

Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 26 points. Ziaire Williams recorded his first career double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Memphis will return to action at home Monday night against the Dallas Mavericks (7 p.m., Bally Sports Southeast).

FINAL: Wizards 113, Grizzlies 106

Fourth quarter

4:07 left: The Grizzlies are fighting, but time is ticking. Memphis trails 104-97. Memphis will need an offensive push combined with defensive stops.

7:05 left: Desmond Bane is up to 20 points after a nice finish at the rim and quick 3-pointer in transition. The Grizzlies are now down nine points in a 101-92 game.

Ziaire Williams records first double-double

8:33 left: Ziaire Williams is up to 13 points and 10 rebounds. He has recorded his first career double-double in his third NBA season.

10:44 left: Taylor Jenkins has called a quick timeout with the Grizzlies down 15 points. Memphis entered the fourth quarter down 12, but the momentum is going back in the Wizards' direction.

Third quarter

End of the third quarter: The Grizzlies have made a run to give themselves a chance. A 25-point deficit has been trimmed to 12 after three quarters. The Grizzlies are trailing the Wizards 92-80. Desmond Bane is up to 15 points after a slow start.

Former teammate hurting the Grizzlies

3:46 left: Memphis made a tough choice this offseason by trading Tyus Jones. That deal netted the Grizzlies Marcus Smart, who has played well, but Jones has looked good. He has 14 points and four made 3-pointers so far.

8:00 left: Wizards stars Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole are struggling, but the Grizzlies can't take advantage. Washington just looks like the better team right now. The Grizzlies are down 77-56.

Second quarter

Grizzlies look a step slow

Halftime: Wizards 62, Grizzlies 46. Corey Kispert leads the Wizards with 22 points. He has made five 3-pointers. Memphis is shooting 34.9%. Washington hasn't been much better at 42%, but the 3-pointers make that gap much wider. The Wizards have 12 3-pointers to the Grizzlies' eight.

Jaren Jackson Jr. leads the Grizzlies with 11 points. Ziaire Williams is on double-double watch with eight points and eight rebounds.

2:22 left: Uh oh. The Washington Wizards have blown the game open with a 16-point lead. Washington leads 55-39. Memphis is struggling to keep the Wizards off the 3-point line. Washington has converted 11 3-pointers on 18 made field goals.

6:51 left: The Grizzlies rallied to tied the game at 35, then Washington scored seven straight to force a Taylor Jenkins timeout. The Wizards lead 42-35.

8:29 left: John Konchar continues to carve out a needed role. A hustle offensive rebound from Konchar turned into a 3-pointer for Jaren Jackson Jr. Those are the plays you need when the offense is struggling. The Grizzlies trail 35-33.

First quarter

End of the first quarter: Memphis trails 25-22. Both teams are shooting below 35% from the field. The Grizzlies are at 33%, while the Wizards are only making 29% of their shots. One of these offenses will get going soon.

2:35 left: Washington is on a 20-8 run since the Grizzlies' 7-0 start. The Wizards have made five threes on their six field goals. Memphis trails 20-15.

6:40 left: The Grizzlies are shooting 2-for-10 and Washington is 2-for-14. Ziaire Williams has been the lone Grizzlies bright spot so far. He made an early 3-pointer and already has five rebounds.

7:03 left: The Grizzlies scored the first seven points before the Wizards responded with six of their own. Neither offense has caught a rhythm yet.

Playing against a familiar face

This will be the first time the Grizzlies play against former point guard Tyus Jones, who was traded in the offseason to the Wizards. Jones spent four seasons with the Grizzlies and was an important piece to the team's depth. Jones now is in a starting role with the Wizards. His former Grizzlies teammates looked happy to see him before the game.

Grizzlies starting lineup

As expected, Xavier Tillman Sr. will start tonight. The starting five:

• Marcus Smart

• Desmond Bane

• Ziaire Williams

• Jaren Jackson Jr.

• Xavier Tillman Sr.

The Grizzlies got good production from John Konchar and Derrick Rose off the bench on Friday. It will be interesting to see their minutes tonight.

What channel is Grizzlies vs. Wizards today?

• TV channel: Bally Sports Southeast

• Stream: Bally Sports app, FUBO (free trial)

Grizzlies vs. Wizards start time

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 28

• Time: 6:00 p.m. CT

The Grizzlies face the Washington Wizards with tip-off scheduled for 6 p.m. CT Tuesday at Capital One Arena.

Grizzlies vs. Wizards betting odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Saturday, Oct. 28

• Spread: Wizards -1.5

• Money line: Pelicans +100, Grizzlies -120

• Over/under total: 229.5 points

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies lose third straight at the hands of Wizards