Close, But No Cigar: Grizz Fall Late in San Antonio

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The Memphis Grizzlies faced the San Antonio Spurs in San Antonio tonight.  The Grizzlies came into the game 41-31; the Spurs were 60-11.  The Spurs hadn’t lost a home game.  This was the 3rd match-up between the two teams.  November 21 the Grizzlies lost by 10 points in San Antonio.  December 3 the Grizzlies lost by 20 points in Memphis.  Both of those losses came before injuries conquered the Grizzlies.  So, realistically given the current state of affairs, expecting a loss was understandable.  However, after ending the first half down by 13, the Grizzlies came out in the 3rd quarter and played the Spurs hard and narrowed the gap to 4 points headed into the 4th quarter.  For a while, the Grizzlies continued that 3rd quarter play, and then the Spurs did what the Spurs do.  They went on a run that an ill-timed stagnated offense and frustration from seemingly missed calls from the officials wouldn’t allow the Grizzlies to answer.  The Grizzlies would go on to fall to the Spurs 110-104 in front of a sellout crowd.

 

Who Played?

Grizzlies:  Matt Barnes, JaMychal Green, Chris Andersen, Tony Allen, and Jordan Farmar

Bench:   Ray McCallum, Vince Carter, Ryan Hollins, Lance Stephenson, Jarell Martin and Xavier Munford (Gasol, Conley, Adams, Wright-inactive; Randolph, Hairston-injured & not with team)

Spurs:  Kyle Anderson, Tim Duncan, LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Martin, and Tony Parker

Bench:  Manu Ginobli, David West, Andre Miller, Jonathon Simmons, Matt Bonner,  and Boban Marjanovic (Leonard, Diaw-inactive; Green, Mills-rest)

 

Team Leaders

JaMychal Green led the Grizzlies starters with 20 points (10/18 FG), 2 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks.

Lance Stephenson led the Grizzlies bench with 17 points (8/15 FG), 1 rebound, 3 assists, and 3 steals.

LaMarcus Aldridge led the Spurs starters with 32 points (12/16 FG), 12 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 3 blocks.

Manu Ginobli led the Spurs bench with 13 points (5/7 FG), 3 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block.

 

Head to Head

Field Goals:  Spurs win.  Grizzlies 53% (44/83) to Spurs 57% (44/77)

3PT Field Goals:  Spurs win.  Grizzlies 39% (7/18) to Spurs 41% (7/17)

Rebounds:  Spurs win.  Grizzlies 31 to Spurs 37

Turnovers:  Grizzlies win.  Grizzlies 10 to Spurs 14

Steals:  Grizzlies win.  Grizzlies 11 to Spurs 7

Blocks:  Spurs win.  Grizzlies 4 to Spurs 5

Points in the Paint:  Spurs win.  Grizzlies 46 to Spurs 54

Fast Break Points:  Grizzlies win.  Grizzlies 27 to Spurs 5

Bench Points:  Grizzlies win.  Grizzlies 37 to Spurs 34

2nd Chance Points:  Spurs win.  Grizzlies 6 to Spurs 13

 

Playoff Watch

The Grizzlies maintain the 5th spot in the Western Conference.  They’re 4 games behind the Clippers and 4 games ahead of the Trailblazers.  They’re 5 games ahead of the 8th spot.  The Trailblazers (37-36) face the 76ers (9-63) tomorrow; a win at home tomorrow would put the Blazers 3.5 games behind the Grizzlies.  The Mavericks are currently in the 8th spot, and they’re playing the Warriors in Oakland tonight.  Unless something weirdly catastrophic happens, the Grizzlies will be 5.5 games ahead of the 8th spot after all is said and done tonight.  Chances are quite slim that the Grizzlies fall beyond the 6th spot in the Western Conference (if they fall at all).  They’re set to make history by making the playoffs at or above 0.500 (depending on how these last 9 games go) with a total of 27 players to date having had their name on the Grizzlies roster this season.

The Grizzlies face the Spurs again on Monday in Memphis.  It’s already been reported that The Big Three (Duncan, Parker, Ginobli) will not play in that game.  Offensively, the Grizzlies didn’t have a horrible game; the Spurs just had a better one.  The home team will be in the Grindhouse on Monday (Spurs), Wednesday (Nuggets) and Friday (Raptors) next week.  Make your way to the Forum to cheer them on!  Go Grizz!

 

 

**Statistics from nba.com**

Carmen Patton
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