Memphis matched NBA history with 29 three-pointers but their defense crumbled in a wild 142-126 defeat to Cleveland at home.
The Memphis Grizzlies put on an absolute shooting clinic Monday night, matching the NBA single-game record with 29 made three-pointers, but their historic offensive display wasn't enough to prevent a crushing 142-126 home loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite raining down shots from beyond the arc at FedExForum, the Grizzlies couldn't find an answer for Cleveland's relentless attack.
Memphis joined the Boston Celtics as the only teams to drain 29 threes in a single game, showcasing the modern NBA's evolution into a three-point heavy league. The Grizzlies' bench erupted with each made triple, and the home crowd was electric as shot after shot found its mark. However, basketball remains a two-way game, and Memphis discovered that record-breaking offense means little without defensive stops.
The Cavaliers answered Memphis's aerial assault with their own offensive fireworks, putting up 142 points and shooting lights out themselves. Cleveland's balanced attack and efficient ball movement kept pace with the Grizzlies' three-point barrage, ultimately proving that defense still wins games. The loss serves as a reminder that while setting records feels great, victories matter more in the standings.
This wild shootout exemplifies the NBA's current era, where teams are pushing the boundaries of what's possible from three-point range. The Grizzlies' achievement will be remembered in basketball history, but they'll need to tighten up defensively if they want to turn spectacular shooting nights into wins. Memphis showed they can score with anyone in the league – now it's time to prove they can stop opponents too.
