Memphis overpowered Miami today, showing who is the better team. Most around the league expected this kind of result, but Miami head coach Bob was defiant until game time. "Underdogs, my ----. We've got enough talent and enough heart to play with anybody in the league." Afterwards, his tune had changed significantly. "We've got some work ahead of us before we can play at their level."

The only bright point for Miami was the great play by Banks, and Bob was quick to praise his star. "If the whole team had played with his energy, we'd have been able to play with Memphis. The bright side is that we know what he can do against them, and we'll try to build on that for our next meeting."

Memphis was led by Wright (28 points, 1 assists, a steal, a block), Smith (18 points, 1 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks), Gill (17 points, 7 boards, 1 assists, a steal, a block). Miami was led by Banks (16 points, 5 steals), Durham (27 points, 5 boards, 3 assists), Hargrove (11 points, 2 assists, a steal, 2 blocks).

Memphis improve to 13-14 and 9-4 at home with the win. They improve to #3 in the Southwest and move up to #7 overall in the Western Conference. Miami are now 13-17. They remain at #5 in the Southeast and hold at #11 overall in the Eastern Conference.

box score Memphis roster Miami roster