All We Do is Win!! Grizzlies 5-0

The streak continues!!!

Memphis Grizzlies are 5-0 for the first time in franchise history. They defeated the Phoenix Suns 102-91. Starting the season out with plenty of the franchise’s historic firsts should have the team’s confidence level up.

Grizz faithful were pleasantly surprised this wasn’t an ugly win and that the offensive woes took a backseat. We can give thanks to Courtney Lee (welcome back) and Mike Conley for that. Grizzlies shot 50% from the field and was a whopping 52.9% for the 3 point line! Both Mike Conley and Courtney Lee went 7-for-9 from three. More on those two later.

Phoenix shot well at the beginning of the game. It seems as if Eric Bledsoe or Markeiff Morris couldn’t miss. Bledsoe made his first 8 shots ended up with 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Markeiff made his first 5 shots; he went 8/13 and scored 20 points with 5 rebounds 2 steals and a block.

In the first half, Suns offense was on point. Grizzlies went into the half down by 6.

The tide change in the 3rd quarter for the Grizzlies, they outscored Phoenix 30-19 and forced eight turnovers. Grizz held the Suns to 35% shooting this quarter, while they shot 54% and had lock down defense once again. Grizzlies have owned 3rd quarters for a while now.

Players of the game: Mike Conley and Courtney Lee 

Mike Conley led all scores with 24 points, 11 assists and 2 steals. He recorded his first double double of the season and his season high in assists. Conley had been questionable in the day prior to practice because of a sore ankle. After practice, it was announced that he would play in the game. What sore ankle?

Courtney Lee was a spark on both ends of the court. He returned to action after missing two games due to a concussion he suffered during the Pacers game. His return was well needed. He was 9/14 from the field and 4-5 from the three point line. He scored a season high 22 points, 2 steals and recorded the lone block for the Grizzlies.

Stat of the night

Marc Gasol – 18 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals

Bench play

The bench didn’t score particularly well. Suns bench outscored them 36-19. However, they played well defensively and kept plays alive on offense. So far this season, no single person on the Grizzlies bench have scored in double figures. They are slowly getting better. Grizzlies still need them to have better production throughout the season to give the starters rest. Kosta Koufos and Jon Leuer still need to get going offensively.

Notes

Zach Randolph had recorded a double double in the first 4 games of the season. The streak is over. He ended up with 10 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals.

Tony Allen was the only starter that didn’t have a steal. It’s his 2nd game of the season without a steal after having 12 in the first 3 games.

Tayshaun Prince, Kalin Lucas and Jordan Adams had DNPs. Jarnell Stokes was inactive for the game.

Next game

Grizzlies travel to Oklahoma City to take on a depleted Thunder team without Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Gametime is at 7pm on Friday, November 7. I hope this is not a trap game. A depleted team can be a deadly team.