Big Spain reigns as Grizzlies bounce Pelicans!!

On Tuesday night in New Orleans, the Grizzlies beat the Pelicans 113-104. The Pelicans have now lost three straight.

 

This game belonged to Big Spain (Marc Gasol). Big Spain had a career night in points (38) and free throws made (16-of-16). He also had 13 rebounds [season high], six assists, four blocks. Gasol also notched his third double-double of the season. No one can contain an aggressive Marc Gasol.

 

 

First Half

The Grizzlies started off slow allowing the Pelicans to shoot 70 percent from the field in the first quarter. Pelicans won the quarter 38-27. Soon the Pelicans built a 14 point lead. In the second quarter, it was the Grizzlies turn to get in on the action. Big thanks to an awesome effort by the bench and Big Spain. Gasol had 14 points in the quarter and ended with a game high 22 points, six points, two rebounds and a steal. He went 6-of-11 and 10-of-10 from the charity stripe. The Grizzlies won the second quarter 37-27.

 

Pelicans 65, Grizzlies 64: Halftime stats

–Grizzlies shot 55.8 percent from the field while the Pelicans shot 52.4 percent.

–The Pelicans had one steal in the first half and the Grizzlies had zero steals!!!

–Grizzlies won the rebounding battle 22-15.

–Both benches were evenly matched with 27 points a piece.

 

The Second Half

Grizzlies won the third quarter 27-20 as they put on the defensive pressure. Going into the 4th quarter they had overtaken the lead for good, 91-85.

With 10:43 left in action, Courtney Lee scores after a dish from Gasol, who was doubled team putting the Grizzlies up 95-85, their largest lead of the night.

Gasol with the dish to CLee https://t.co/l2uuKJ2Oeo

— All Heart (@AllHeartInHoopC) December 2, 2015

The Pelicans tried to mount a comeback late but Mike Conley put an end to that with his fresh legs.

 

Player Notes

–Tyreke Evans played in his first game of the season after off season surgery. He led the Pelicans with 20 points, 10 assists and five rebounds. His first double-double of the season.

–Anthony Davis was one rebound shy of a triple double. Davis ended up with 17 points, 14 rebounds, nine blocks and two steals. He tied his career high in blocked shots. However, he had a bad shooting night going 4-of-15 from the field.

–Matt Barnes had a complete game. He was everywhere once again and chipped in 13 points, six rebounds and three assists.

–Courtney Lee also added 13 points and four rebounds.

–Mario Chalmers allowed Mike Conley to get much needed rest on the bench. He ended with 11 points, four rebounds and four assists. Conley also had 11 points and three assists.

–Zach Randolph had a quiet 14 points and six rebounds. His brother from another mother (Gasol) did most of the dirty work.

 

Miscellaneous stats

–Points in the Paint: Grizzlies 52 (26/50), Pelicans 42 (21/36)

–Biggest Lead: Grizzlies 11, Pelicans 14

–2nd Chance Points: Grizzlies 15 (7/12), Pelicans 13 (5/8)

–Fast Break Points: Grizzlies 12 (4/7), Pelicans 8 (3/6)

–Bench Points: Grizzlies 41, Pelicans 39

 

Thoughts

Marc Gasol is something special. No one can stop him when he’s at his best. In his 42 minutes of play, he was the best player on the floor and he knew it!!

Matt Barnes, Courtney Lee, and Mario Chalmers play really well together. It was a thing of beauty to watch. They combined for 37 of the 41 bench points.

The Grizzlies only had three steals the entire game and all three came in the second half. That’s just not like this team.

Tyreke Evans always stay woke when he faces the Grizzlies. I guess it’s a bad taste in his mouth for the Grizzlies passing him up in the 2009 NBA draft for the player that will remain nameless: the bust of Grizzlies past!

 

Up Next

The Grizzlies return home to meet the San Antonio Spurs at the Grindhouse. A late start at 8:30 pm due to the TNT national broadcast. There’s a treat for the first five thousand fans:

***Stats from nba.com and espn.com***