Grizz down Wolves

Coming off of back to back losses, the Memphis Grizzlies faced off with the Minnesota Timberwolves last night. The games came at the tail end of a grueling week, and thus begins March Madness. The Grizzlies managed to steal the win, 101-97, but it wasn’t pretty, it was nitty gritty.

First quarter brought about the first 8 of 24 Grizz turn-overs, that resulted in 32 points for the Timberwolves. That’s the result of a severe breakdown in fundamentals. Turn the ball over that many times, for that many points, and you usually generate your own loss. Zach Randolph could not keep a handle on the ball, nor could he put it in the basket, going 1 for 5 in the first quarter. Our 1st regimen was tired, and it showed. “Their hearts are in the right place, and they’re playing hard, but we’re just making some mistakes. We’ve got to get better.” Dave Joerger said post game.

Coming off a long All-Star break a bit of rust is to be expected, but not a fundamental break down. The rust showed after 2 losses this week, and reared its ugly head in the first half against Minnesota. A highlight was Jonny Badger breaking free from his slump and executing some vigor, taking the ball to the basket, and being productive in the paint. Well done in front of his hometown crowd, and perhaps showing off some skill picked up at Kevin Garnett’s basketball camp when he was but a wee badger.

The insertion of the Grizz bench brought life back to the court. The Tony Allen effect was in full affect, and the Grindfather finished with 11 points, and a nice slam. Wiz Calathes had 6 assists, and has returned to his pre-suspension level of play. Calathes has been on fire, both on the offensive, and defensive end. He’s come up with some beautiful stops, steals, and nothing but net. Welcome back Nick.

Let’s talk Beno for a minute. Usually, I love seeing Beno take the court by storm. He’s a playmaker, and fundamentally sound. However, as of late there’s Beno passing in his game. He’s more than capable of making and generating creative play that results in big baskets, but lately that’s not the case. He’s not Kobe, or Westbrook, so there’s no excuse for selfish play on team that prides itself on player’s versatility and utility. Pass the damn ball.

Zach Randolph picked his game up after the first quarter, finishing with 7 points, and 11 rebounds. Kevin Garnett was ejected in the third quarter, after a second technical foul, and for a rookie display of frustration, after committing a foul on Jeff Green. That seemed to energize the Grizzlies, who opened a lead. And then, like we do, we got a little comfortable. Within minutes, both Gasol, and Dave Joerger picked up technical fouls, spurring rookie Timberwolves phenom Andrew Wiggins to set up a 16-2 run in the fourth quarter. Wiggins is living up to his namesake from the Orson Scott Card book Enders Game, finishing up with 25 points.

Down never bothers the Grizz, we thrive on it the come from behind. It’s almost a predetermined, our first half season commercial was The Comeback. Let’s get back to mama said knock you out. Marc Gasol returned to All-Star form in the fourth quarter. After picking up the technical, Big Spain went on a rampage, going 4 for 4, for 11 points, four rebounds, and two assists. He had 9 straight in the last 4 minutes of play. Big Pimpin finished with 27 points, and 11 rebounds. “When he’s that guy, then everybody else can be in the role they’re supposed to be in. That’s big time for us”, stated head coach Dave Joerger. Clutch Conley hit Mach 11 with 30 seconds on the clock, to answer a Timberwolves 3 with one of his own, and break a 95 point tie. Conley went on to hit 2 free throws with 11 seconds on the clock, securing the Grizz win. Conley finished with 17.

The Grizz shot 59%, and out scored the Timberwolves 52-30 from the paint. The paint points were integral to balancing out the 32 points scored off of Grizz turnovers.

In a Western Conference packed with talent, and jockeying for play-off positions, the Grizz cannot afford to continue sloppy play. We’re better than that. March madness is truly packed into our grueling schedule. Our bench is deep, and hot, and should be used to alleviate some stress from the starting line-up. Let’s keep everyone healthy. We will see you Tuesday at the Forum when the Grizz tip-off against the Utah Jazz.