Grizzlies' decision to let Luke Kennard walk came back to bite in the worst way

The Atlanta Hawks went back on the road Wednesday night, where they defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 124-122.

After returning home for just one game after the long West Coast trip, the Hawks didn’t have to travel far for their next matchup. While not in the same conference, the Hawks and Grizzlies share plenty of similarities, giving an otherwise forgettable game plenty of stakes. 

Coming off two different results in their previous games, both teams entered this matchup at five games under .500. Each squad was more than motivated to flip the script on their seasons and pick up a much-needed victory. 

These two franchises aren't often tied together, but one particular transaction this past offseason has them checking in on each other's situations every now and then.

It was a busy summer for the Hawks. After trading for Kristaps Porzingis and signing Nickeil Alexander-Walker, many expected them to be done making moves. It wasn't long after the NAW signing, however, that the franchise was able to make even more noise.

It was reported by ESPN's Shams Charania that the Hawks had agreed to terms with free agent guard Luke Kennard on a one-year, $11 million contract. He was previously with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he carved out a respected role as a volume shooter with a sneaky handle.

Former Hawk Trae Young had a prominent voice in their decision to bring in Kennard, and despite some early-season woes, the sharpshooter has found his stride.

While he's been slowly picking up his volume and percentages over the course of the season, it's been some time since he's put it all together for a completely dominant performance.

Luke's former team was left stunned as he lit them up from start to finish.

There's clearly more to the story than we all know. The breakup between the Grizzlies and Kennard seemed mutual, but with the way he was attacking their defense right out of the gate, it would be reasonable to believe he had some pent-up aggression to let out.

He wasn't just letting his play talk, either. Not only was Kennard letting it fly with confidence and getting down the lane with ease, but he was letting the Grizzlies' bench and home arena hear it.

He only played four minutes in the first quarter, but he wasted no time making his impact felt. He put up a quick seven points on a perfect 3/3 from the field and knocked down his only three-point attempt of the quarter.

The second quarter was where things really began to turn in Kennard's favor. His perfect shooting continued, knocking down all three of his attempts from beyond the arc.

The early-game dominance from Kennard set the tone for the night. Atlanta maintained a close-but-steady lead as the game progressed, but would never have been able to get out in front in the first place without his elite shooting.

He entered the final quarter with 18 points on a wildly impressive 7/7 from the field and 4/4 from three. It took them long enough, but from that point, the Grizzlies' defenders were finally able to make him uncomfortable.

Those three dominant quarters were all Atlanta needed to secure a much-needed victory. With the Grizzlies now sitting at six games below .500, they may be seriously regretting letting a high-impact sharpshooter walk for almost nothing.