Conley and the Grizzlies drop the Nets in Brooklyn 109-90

After the news of Marc Gasol’s foot injury, uncertainty surrounded the Memphis Grizzlies. Everyone counted them out except them. According to Ron Tillery of the Commercial Appeal, Mike Conley said:

“We’re not flushing this season down the toilet. That’s the statement we’re going to make to everybody.”

Zach Randolph reiterated:

“We’re going to play for him [Marc Gasol] and win. Everybody has to step up… Me, Mike, TA. Everybody.”

The remaining Grizzlies players wanted to prove a point albeit against the lowly Nets. And they did in convincing fashion. The Grizzlies were too much to handle for the Nets in the third quarter after taking a five point lead at the break. The Grizzlies outscored the Nets 39-18 in the period. The players needed the win and so did Grizznation. This victory was a sigh of relief for most.

 

 

Game Stats

Field Goal Percentage: Grizzlies 52.3 percent (45/86), Nets 46.5 percent (33/71)

Rebounds: Grizzlies 35 (10 OREB), Nets 35 (8 OREB)

Points in the Paint: Grizzlies 48, Nets 32

Fast Break Points: Grizzlies 9, Nets 6

Three Point Field Goals: Grizzlies 45 percent (9/20), Nets 50 percent (11/22)

Bench Points: Grizzlies 45, Nets 38

Second Chance Points: Grizzlies 15 (5/8), Nets 6 (3/8)

 

Player Notes

Grizzlies

1. Mike Conley led the Grizzlies with 20 points (7-of-13), five assists and four rebounds.

2. Zach Randolph added 15 points (6-of-12), six assists and three steals.

3. Jeff Green scored 18 points (7-of-14), four assists and two steals off the bench.

And don’t forget about this one:

 

 

4. JaMychal Green with the start chipped in 13 points (5-of-6) and four rebounds.

 

5. Vince Carter had 11 points, four rebounds and 2 assists.

 

6. Courtney Lee and Mario Chalmers both ended with 10 points a piece.

 

Nets

The Nets had five players in double figures.

1. Brook Lopez led the Nets with 20 (8-of-14) points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals.

2. Wayne Ellington added 18 points (6-of-8). Ellington converted on 4-of-5 from beyond the arc.

3. Bojan Bogdanovic chipped in 11 points

4. Thaddeus Young had a near double double with 10 points and nine rebounds.

5. Markel Brown with 10 points and two assists off the bench.

 

Highlights

 

 

Misc. Stat

 

Thoughts

1. It’s too soon to count the Grizzlies out without Marc Gasol. These guys are resilient and will fight hard just to prove many wrong. They play better with Marc Gasol. He is an integral part of this team. If Tony Allen is the heart..Gasol is the blood that keeps the heart beating. He will be missed but this team has to adjust.

2. We all know that Mike Conley and Zach  Randolph have to step up; however, the x-factor is Jeff Green. He has be confident and play like he played in the third quarter of last night’s game. Green scored 12 of his 18 points in the period alone.

3. Even though the Grizzlies beat the brakes off the Nets, this game is a confidence builder for the team. They just have to keep believing in themselves and not listen to the noise from fans and the so called experts. A reprieve until after the break….

Got Next

This was the Grizzlies’ last game until after All Star Break. They will host the Minnesota Timberwolves in Memphis on February 19, 2015.