Ja Morant's triple-double rallies Grizzlies over Pacers

MEMPHIS,Tenn. (AP) — Ja Morant had 27 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds,Jaren Jackson Jr. added 28 points and the Memphis Grizzliesovercame a lackluster first half to defeat the Indiana Pacers112-100 on Sunday.

BrandonClarke had 13 points, hitting all five of his shots as Memphissnapped a five-game losing streak and ran its home record to 21-3.It was Morant’s fifth triple-double of the season and second in arow.

BenedictMathurin, the sixth pick in the 2022 draft, led the Pacers with 27points and eight rebounds. Aaron Nesmith had 16 points and MylesTurner added 15 points.

The Pacersdominated the first half, leading by as many as 19. First-halfshooting, which hovered at 60% at the midway point of the secondquarter, helped Indiana to a 62-50 lead at the break.

But 14straight points brought Memphis back into the game early in thethird quarter, and the Grizzlies outscored Indiana 30-17 in thethird to retake the lead.

Memphis’13-2 run to open the fourth opened the game up.

Both teamsentered the game reeling from losing skids. Memphis was returninghome after a winless five-game trip West, while the Pacers had lostnine of their last 10.

TIP-INS

Pacers:Guard Tyrese Haliburton continued to sit out with left knee andelbow sprains, but there were indications Indiana’s top scorercould return to action soon. Coach Rick Carlisle expects Haliburtonto practice this week “and looking toward the real possibility thathe could play this weekend.”

Grizzlies:Have won eight straight at home; their last home loss was Dec. 27to Phoenix. ... Guard Desmond Bane sat out with right kneesoreness. Coach Taylor Jenkins classified Bane as day-to-day andexpects him to return this week.

TURNER EXTENSION

Turner will stay withIndianaafter agreeing to a two-year contract extension.Carlisle said the team has a Monday news conference planned.

MOMENT OF SILENCE

Sunday wasthe Grizzlies’ first home game since the video was released ofMemphis police officers beating Tyre Nichols to death after atraffic stop. The Grizzlies held a pregame moment of silence forNichols, 29, who died three days after the confrontation withpolice.Five officers were fired andindicted on an array of charges, including second-degreemurder.

“Obviously,our city is going through a really tough time right now, I’m kindof focused on that more than basketball,” Jenkins said, adding thatthe video was “very disturbing.”

UPNEXT

Pacers:Host the Lakers on Tuesday.

Grizzlies:Host Portland on Wednesday.