Memphis Grizzlies get tough in win over Knicks -- 'We ain't ducking no smoke'

NEW YORK — The Memphis Grizzlies aren't backing down from anyone. And given how their season is going, they have no reason to.

After their latest victory, a 120-108 triumph in which New York Knicks forward Julius Randle was ejected in the fourth quarter after multiple run-ins with Memphis guard Desmond Bane, Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant made it clear he and his teammates won't be changing their approach anytime soon.

«There ain't no running in the M, man,» Morant said. «We climb up the chimney. We ain't ducking no smoke. We're gonna let everybody know we're here.

»We're gonna play hard. We're trying to get a win, and if you don't like it? Oh well."

The Grizzlies are fast becoming one of the most entertaining teams in the NBA, on and off the court. It took less than two minutes for Memphis to throw down its first alley-oop of the night, a massive slam by rookie Ziaire Williams — the first two of his career-high 21 points — off a pass from Morant.

It was one of several that Memphis (36-18) executed during the game, including a breathtaking one Morant finished late in the first half. And even on a night when Morant and Bane struggled, going a combined 13-for-45 from the field, the Grizzlies leaned on their defense to improve to 27-8 since beginning the season 9-10.

As they have often done this season, the Grizzlies followed their win with their own version of an open mic night during the postgame news conference. Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. took turns speaking their minds.

Jackson, like Morant, had plenty to say on the subject of trash talking.

«You know us,» said Jackson, who had 26 points and 10 rebounds in the win. «You know how we play. We play with energy, we play with intensity. We love that. That brings joy to us,