The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Washington Wizards, 109-97, at FedEx Forum on Tuesday night.

Neither team came into the interconference battle with a reputation for big wins, but the Grizzlies (23-43) served early notice that Tuesday night might be different. Memphis owned a 29-21 lead over the Wizards after one, and they added another 17 points to their advantage by intermission. Washington tightened up the defense in the second half while only ceding 42 points to the hosts, but it was nowhere near enough to overcome the big early deficit.

Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 24 points, adding seven rebounds, five assists and one steal. Corey Kispert furnished 22 points, two rebounds and one steal. Deni Avdija registered 16 points, four boards and one assist. Bilal Coulibaly totaled 11 points, five rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Jordan Poole registered 10 points, four assists, three rebounds and one block.

Trey Jemison paced the Grizzlies with 24 points, complementing them with six rebounds and two blocks. GG Jackson recorded 19 points, two rebounds, one assist and one block. Jake LaRavia delivered 16 points, four rebounds, one assist and two steals. Luke Kennard registered 13 points, eight assists, four rebounds and one steal. Santi Aldama compiled 11 points, four rebounds, one assist and two steals.

The Wizards remain on the road and visit the Houston Rockets on Thursday night, while the Grizzlies host the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night.