Grizzlies Comeback Falls Short Against Knicks

Undersized Memphis squad battles back but can't overcome early deficit

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:48am

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The Memphis Grizzlies mounted a late comeback against the New York Knicks on Wednesday night, but ultimately fell short after digging themselves an early 18-point hole. The Knicks raced out to a 48-30 lead after the first quarter, shooting an impressive 17-for-21 from the field and 9-for-9 from the free-throw line.

Why it matters

The loss is a tough one for the Grizzlies, who have been fighting to stay in the playoff race in the competitive Western Conference. Despite their smaller stature compared to the Knicks, Memphis showed grit in battling back, but their early struggles proved too much to overcome.

The details

The Grizzlies were outmatched in size and physicality early on, allowing the Knicks to dominate the paint and get easy looks. However, Memphis fought back in the second half, using their speed and hustle to chip away at the deficit. The Grizzlies managed to cut the lead to single digits late, but ultimately ran out of time to complete the comeback.

  • The Knicks led the Grizzlies 48-30 after the first quarter.
  • The game was played on Wednesday, April 2, 2026.

The players

Memphis Grizzlies

The NBA team based in Memphis, Tennessee, known for their scrappy, undersized style of play.

New York Knicks

The NBA team based in New York City, known for their size and physicality.

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What they’re saying

“We knew the Knicks would come out strong, but we just couldn't match their intensity early on. I'm proud of the way the guys fought back, but we dug ourselves too deep of a hole.”

— Taylor Jenkins, Head Coach, Memphis Grizzlies

The takeaway

The Grizzlies' comeback effort showcased their resilience, but also highlighted the challenges they face as a smaller team trying to compete against the league's more physically imposing squads. This loss is a setback in their playoff push, but the team will need to regroup and find ways to start games stronger if they hope to secure a postseason berth.