The Boston Celtics were tested by the short-handed Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. Despite trailing by seven points in the fourth quarter, the Celtics defeated their injured opponent 117-112 at FedExForum. This was their 19th victory over the Grizzlies in the past 21 games.
With players such as star point guard Ja Morant, guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and forward Brandon Clark all sidelined with injuries, the Grizzlies are severely short-handed (and this isn’t even the full roster they’re missing). However, the depleted Grizzlies, coming off a tough win over a relatively healthy Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, did the same against the Celtics.
March 20, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) holds the ball and Memphis Grizzlies forward Tyler Burton (5) defends during the third quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Former Villanova forward Tyler Burton came off the bench for the Grizzlies and scored a career-high 23 points in his fifth game. Memphis also had six players score in double figures, most notably former Sixth Man of the Year candidate Ty Jerome (16 points in 25 minutes).
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Although the Grizzlies play with energy, they still lack height. The Celtics took advantage of this, leading 57-35 on the glass and 18-7 on the offensive glass. Celtics center Luka Garza came off the bench to score 22 points, which was enough to reach a season high and four points shy of his career high.
Although the Grizzlies led in the fourth quarter, they trailed 33-24 in the final 12 minutes. Garza and Celtics guard Derrick White combined for 22 points in the final game alone. Star guard Jaylen Brown led the Green Team with a game-high 30 points in the entire game, plus 6 rebounds and 6 assists.
Before the Celtics take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night in Boston, where the Celtics sit with a 47-23 record, take a look at the best photos from their win over the Grizzlies on Friday night.
March 20, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) holds the ball and Memphis Grizzlies forward Tyler Burton (5) defends during the third quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
March 20, 2026; Memphis, TN, USA; Boston Celtics center Luka Garza (52) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
March 20, 2026; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard De’Jon Jarreau (77) takes a shot during the third quarter at FedExForum while Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) defends the ball. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
March 20, 2026; Memphis, TN, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) blocks a shot attempt by Memphis Grizzlies forward Olivier Maxons Prosper (18) in the fourth quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
March 20, 2026; Memphis, TN, USA; Boston Celtics guard Baylor Scheierman (55) and center Luka Garza (52) react during the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
March 20, 2026; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) shoots during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
March 20, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ty Jerome (2) drives the ball and Boston Celtics guard Baylor Scheierman (55) defends during the fourth quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
March 20, 2026; Memphis, TN, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after taking a shot during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics beat scrappy Grizzlies on the road for surprisingly tough win