MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Miami Heat focused on shutting down Memphis’ inside scoring duo of Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol. Grizzlies reserve guard Wayne Ellington made them pay dearly for it.
Ellington had career bests with seven 3-pointers and 25 points, leading the Grizzlies over the Heat 104-86 on Sunday for their fifth straight win and the best start in franchise history.
“I don’t think Ellington will be able to sneak in the back door anymore," Miami center Chris Bosh said. “I didn’t know he could shoot the ball like that. We know now."
The Grizzlies (5-1) snapped Miami’s four-game winning streak while topping the 4-1 start in 2000-01 in this franchise’s last season in Vancouver. They also extended their own team-record home winning streak to 14 dating to last season.
Rudy Gay added 21 points and Zach Randolph had his sixth double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds for Memphis. Mike Conley had 18 points and nine assists, while Marc Gasol added 10 rebounds and six assists.
“We played outstanding basketball," Memphis coach Lionel Hollins said.
Bosh scored 22 points and LeBron James had 20 for Miami. Dwyane Wade came in averaging 20.4 points but was held to eight in his first game back after missing Friday night’s win at Atlanta with a cold. Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said they expected teams to be coming after the Heat on this six-game road trip.
Also on Sunday:
Thunder 106
Cavaliers 91
OKLAHOMA CITY — Russell Westbrook banked in a half-court shot during a rough-and-tumble 27-point outing, Kevin Durant added 26 points and Oklahoma City beat Cleveland.
Clippers 89
Hawks 76
LOS ANGELES — Blake Griffin scored 16 points, Chris Paul had 15 points and eight assists and the Los Angeles Clippers beat Atlanta.
Nets 82
Magic 74
NEW YORK — Brook Lopez scored 20 points, Kris Humphries added 14 points and 21 rebounds, and Brooklyn beat Orlando to complete a home-and-home sweep.
Lakers 103
Kings 90
LOS ANGELES — Dwight Howard had 23 points and 18 rebounds, Kobe Bryant scored 20 and the in-transition Los Angeles Lakers continued warming up for a possible return by Phil Jackson with a victory over Sacramento.