Desmond Bane leads Grizzlies past Nets as Kyrie Irving scores 43 points

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Desmond Bane scored 23 points, including nine straight as Memphis rebuilt its lead in the fourth quarter, and the Grizzlies beat Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets 132-120 on Wednesday night.

Irving scored 43 points and Kevin Durant had 35 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. Still banned from playing home games because of a New York City vaccine mandate, Irving was on the court for the first time since scoring a career-high 60 points at Orlando eight days earlier.

But that arrangement for Irving, who is unvaccinated against COVID-19, is coming to an end. New York City Mayor Eric Adams is set to lift the mandate for athletes and performers.

Memphis was the short-handed home team this time with leading scorer Ja Morant sidelined because of right knee soreness. But the Grizzlies got enough offense anyway thanks to reserve De’Anthony Melton, who matched Bane’s 23 points, and Dillon Brooks, who finished with 21, part of seven Memphis players reaching double figures.

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Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) works against Brooklyn Nets forward Kessler Edwards (14) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 23, 2022, in Memphis, Tenn.  (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)

"Great example of just staying the course," Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said. "We’ve been saying that throughout the season."

As for the Grizzlies' 15-2 record without Morant, Jenkins said: "Togetherness. That’s probably the biggest thing."

The Grizzlies have won six of seven and are second in the Western Conference. They have a two-game lead over the Golden State Warriors, who beat the Miami Heat 118-104 on