Grizz defeat Blazers at the Moda & Head to Hollywood to take on the Clippers

Grizzlies traveled to Portland after a long All Star Break to take on the Blazers. Grizzlies defeated the Blazers 98-92. Grizzlies outscored the Blazers 23-7 in the final 7 minutes of the game. The Grizzlies lead the season series 3-0 against the Blazers. The Blazers will be in Memphis on March 21, 2015 for the meeting of the two teams in the regular season. Grizzlies are now 40-14..the first time they have won 40 games this early in the season.

All five Grizzlies starters were in double figures lead by Big Spain, Marc Gasol with 21 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks. Courtney Lee finished with 19 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal. Mike Conley was once again close to a triple double with 15 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists and 2 steals. Zach Randolph was a rebound shy of another double double; he ended up with 15 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Jeff Green added 12 points, 5 rebounds and 1 steal.

Jeff Green had another monster dunk and TA was very happy!!

First Half

In the first quarter

Portland led 21-19. Portland shot 38% while the Grizzlies shot 41%. Marc Gasol led the Grizzlies with 7 points; Meyers Leonard led the Blazers with 8pts.

Second quarter

Blazers went on a 11-2 run and led by 11 (32-21). Nick Calathes had 3 steals off the bench. Grizzlies closed out the half on a 17-6 run and it was all knotted up at 38-38. Mike Conley with 8 points for the Grizzlies and Leonard with 11 points. Grizz shot 40% and Blazers 38%. Grizzlies had 9 steals in the first half with resulted in the 9 Blazers turnovers.

Second half

Damien Lillard 14 points in the 3rd quarter. Blazers went on a 10-0 run and led 65-58 with 3.03 left in the 3rd.

Portland hit 7/10 three pointers in the 3rd quarter..led Grizzlies 77-64 going into the final period.

Steve Blake took over when Lillard went to the bench. He was 4-4 from the 3 point line. Portland was up by 13 going into the 4th and the Grizzlies pushed back with a 12-0 run.

Other game notes

1) Grizz shot 47.2% from the field

2) Blazers out-rebounded Grizz 46-44.

3) Grizz with 54 points in the paint; Blazers with 26 in the paint.

4) Grizz had 13 steals while the Blazers only had 4.

5) Blazers converted on 13 three pointers while the Grizzlies only converted on 3.

6) Blazers had a 39 point 3rd quarter; the Grizz ended the final period with 34 points while holding the Blazers to 15 points.

Injury Report

LaMarcus Aldridge – Out (Blazers)

Vince Carter – Out (Grizzlies)

 

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After the win in Portland, the Grizzlies traveled to LA to take on their arch enemies the Clippers. The Clippers are set to flop their way into Memphis on Friday night. Clippers will be without Blake Griffin because of a staff infection in his elbow.

Grizz will be tired after the Portland trip but will be up for the Clippers. The Clippers have been good even without Blake Griffin. This will be no means an easy game. The Grizzlies have to click on all cylinders.

Game Thoughts

1) All 5 starters need to be in double figures once again. Marc Gasol should exploit his match-up with DeAndre Jordan. Frustrate him and get him in foul trouble.

2) Play well in spite of the SEGABABA.

3)  Defend the 3 point line. This goes without saying. The Grizz cannot afford to let the Clippers get hot from the 3 like they did the Blazers last night. Blazers converted on 13 three pointers.

4) Again the new brothers of destruction need to do what they do and continue their thieving ways. Tony Allen and Nick Calathes need to be the defensive stoppers off the bench. We need to see the Tony Allen Affect and the Nick Calathes Aftermath!

5) The bench has been playing very, very, very well defensively; they need to get it going offensively. They need Beno to go BENO on the Clippers. He needs to be in double figures.

6) Since the Clippers are known for highlights, well the Grizz new highlight man Money Jeff Green need have a monster dunk on someone. I don’t care who it is, I just want it to happen.

7) An aggressive Courtney Lee need to show up like he did last night for the Blazers. The offensive is better when he’s aggressive.

8) It would be nice to see Jordan Adams and Jymychal Green get playing time.

9) Zbo once again, need to be a double, double machine!! The team needs he to be First name 20, last name 10.

10) TA should stick to Jamal Crawford like glue. He shouldn’t give him a chance to put his hands on the ball. TA might have his chance to guard Chris Paul as well.

This can’t be said enough, this game will not be easy by no means. But the Grizzlies will up for the challenge. These teams don’t like each other one bit and it always if fun to watch. The Grizz will have to scratch, claw and fight their way to get a victory in LA. Once again, it might not be pretty but I expect it to be gritty!!

Tip Off

When: 9:30 PM CST

Where: The Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA

TV/Radio Broadcast: Fox SportSouth/92.9 FM ESPN