Celtics maul shorthanded Grizzlies in fourth quarter for 117-112 win (PHOTOS)

The Boston Celtics were put to the test by the shorthanded Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. But, despite trailing by as many as 7 points in the fourth quarter, the Celtics were able to overcome their wounded opponent during a 117-112 win at FedExForum. This marked their nineteenth victory over the Grizzlies in their last 21 meetings.

With guys like star point guard Ja Morant, guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and forward Brandon Clarke all out due to injury, the Grizzlies were severely undermanned (that wasn't even a complete list of their absences). However, the depleted Grizz were fresh off a hard-fought win over the relatively healthy Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, and they brought that same effort against the Celtics. In just his fifth NBA game ever, former Villanova forward Tyler Burton recorded a career-high 23 points off the bench for the Grizzlies.

Memphis had six other players in double figures, with former Sixth Man of the Year candidate Ty Jerome (16 points in 25 minutes) being the most notable among them. While they played with energy, the Grizzlies still lacked height. The Celtics took advantage of this by outrebounding them 57-35 overall and 18-7 on the offensive glass.

Celtics center Luka Garza finished with 22 points off the bench, which was enough for a season-high and was 4 points shy of a career-high. Although the Grizzlies entered the fourth quarter with a lead, they were outscored 33-24 in the final 12 minutes of play. Garza and Celtics guard Derrick White combined for 22 points in the final frame alone and star guard Jaylen Brown led the Green Team for the entirety of the contest with a game-high 30 points to go along with 6 rebounds and 6 assists.