Adjusting to a New Grind: Grizzlies vs. Wizards Recap

Posted on December 15, 2015 by Carmen Patton

Share the joy

The month of December has not been kind to the Memphis Grizzlies. They’ve had an equal number of wins and losses (4-4); however, three of the four losses were embarrassing double digit losses on the home court. The fourth loss, against the Miami Heat in South Beach on Sunday, should have been prevented given the Grizzlies led by as many as 16 points during the game. However, they allowed the Heat to gain momentum and failed to score within the last 2:53 in the game.

Sunday’s loss introduced a new starting line-up for the Grizzlies. Grizzlies leading rebounder and 3^rd leading scorer, Zach Randolph, and Mr. First Team All Defense, Tony Allen, were removed from the starting line-up. Allen, who suffered from knee soreness during practice according to Grizzlies officials, didn’t play on Sunday at all. Randolph, who’s been quite vocal in saying he would do whatever needed to be done to help the team succeed, came off the bench and played 26 minutes contributing 12 points (6/9 shooting), 6 rebounds and 4 assists in the 100-97 loss to the Miami Heat.

Twitter was all abuzz with trade rumors involving Randolph on Monday and rumors of the imminent firing of Coach Dave Joerger if things didn’t turn around for the Grizzlies. So, many were interested to see how the Grizzlies would play on Monday, even against a struggling Washington Wizards team.

The Grizzlies started with the same line-up that they lost with in Miami: Mike Conley, Courtney Lee, Jeff Green, Matt Barnes, and Marc Gasol. Tony Allen, Vince Carter, James Ennis, and Jarell Martin did not play based on Coach Joerger’s decision. Brandan Wright and Jordan Adams were inactive due to injury.

The Washington Wizards started John Wall, Garrett Temple, Otto Porter Jr., Jared Dudley, and Marcin Gortat. Drew Gooden was not with the team due to strained right calf and Ryan Hollins didn’t play due to coach’s decision. Bradley Beal, Nene, and Alan Anderson were inactive.

Coming into the game on Monday, John Wall was averaging 27 points and 11 assists for the Wizards. Beal, Wall’s backcourt partner, is the Wizards 2^nd leading scorer. When they arrived in Memphis, the Wizards were coming off of a win in Dallas to the Mavericks in which Otto Porter Jr. scored a career high 28 points. The Wizards are 4-1 with Porter Jr. scoring at least 17 points. The Grizzlies were victorious on Monday night with a 112-95 victory over the Wizards.

Keys to the Victory:

The Starters

Although the fan base seems to be split on the recent changes to the starting line-up, it appears to be working for the Grizzlies offensively. The starters contributed 92 of the Grizzlies 112 points on the 2^nd night of a back to back. Each of the starters contributed double digit points with Marc Gasol leading them with 24 points. Matt Barnes, who replaced Randolph, contributed 20 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. Courtney Lee, starting in place of Tony Allen, contributed 15 points and 3 rebounds. When asked about the line-up change Conley said, “I think as you can see we’re a little bit faster, moved the ball. Spacing is a lot different; so it’s something we’ve got to get used to. We haven’t perfected it yet.”

Stifling Wall and Porter Jr.

The Grizzlies were able to hold John Wall to just 6 points (2/11), 9 assists and 2 rebounds. They forced 4 turnovers from Wall. Otto Porter Jr. scored just 2 points (1/8), 4 assists, 3 rebounds and 1 steal. Wall played just over 28 minutes and Porter Jr. played just under 27 minutes. Jared Dudley and Marcin Gortat were the only Wizards starters to score in double digits. The Wizards bench, led by Gary Neal’s 24 points, kept the Wizards in the game by outscoring the Grizzlies bench 57-20. The lead changed only twice, the score was only tied once, and the Grizzlies led by as many as 23 points, while the Wizards only led by 1.

Making Shots

The Grizzlies shot just over 56% (44/78). They connected on 10 of their 15 three point shot attempts (67%). They made all but one of their 15 free throw attempts. They forced 14 turnovers which led to 18 points. The offense appears to look better with the starting line-up changes, but the verdict is still out as to whether this is what the Grizzlies need to make them a relevant force in the Western Conference, and the league, again.

It looks as if Grit and Grind as it was once known is dying, and the Grizzlies are looking for a new identity. Roles are changing, as is their style of play. As the team makes adjustments, fans may have to adjust to their favorite players finding new roles on the team. It remains to be seen whether or not the Grizzlies’ new found offense will be successful against some of the league’s elite teams. Due to its current success, fans will likely get to see how it looks against the Bulls, the Mavericks, and the Pacers this week.

The Grizzlies head to Chicago to face the Bulls on Wednesday. With their 14-12 record, they’re currently 6^th in the West, 3^rd in the Southwest Division and 14^th in the league. Let’s continue to support the home team. Go Grizz!

**Statistics from nba.com**