Grizz v. Raptors, Part 2

Grizzlies are set to take on the Toronto Raptors at the Grindhouse. Tip-off is at 7pm. The last time these two teams met, the Grizzlies were without almost half of it’s roster because of a wicked stomach flu. The Grizzlies held their own until the final moments in the game. They simply just ran out of gas.

Tonight’s game will be different. Tayshaun Prince and Quincy Pondexter are no longer with the team. Grizz newest member, Jeff Green, knows the Toronto Raptors very well since his former team is the Raptor’s division rivals.

Things that need to happen:

1) Perimeter defense continues to be a problem. Grizzlies need to protect the 3 point line and not gamble on defense. Players need to play man to man and not leave shooters open for wide open threes. No help defense that causes shooters to be left wide open.

2) Three point shooting need to improve drastically. Going 3-22, will not cut it. Courtney Lee and Vince Carter need to shoot better from the 3 pt line.

3) Grizzlies need to protect the paint on the defensive in. Marc Gasol and Kosta Koufos both need to do a good job at protecting the rim. And the Grizzlies need to score more in the painted area on the offensive end. The team shouldn’t just settle for outside shots.

4) Jeff Green needs to do Jeff Green things. A couple of highlight dunks will suffice.

5) Tony Allen needs to shut the water off and go for a season high in steals.

6) Zbo need to continue to bully on the block. Another double double should be in order.

7) Marc Gasol should have 20 or 30 point game. He’s Marc Gasol and he’s just that good!!

8) Free throw shooting continues to plaque the Grizzlies; different year, same problem!!

9) Mike Conley and Courtney Lee should step their game up another notch.

10) James Johnson returns to the Grindhouse; we need to give him a proper welcome by beating his team and by Marc blocking one of his shots.

Analysis

Grizzlies must bring on their A+ game once again.  The starters and bench should be up for the challenge. Make no mistake about it, this will be a tough game for the Grizzlies and it will be a dog fight. Grizzlies must DEFEND, DEFEND, DEFEND the 3 point line. They must scratch and claw to get rebounds. The Raptors are a scappy, young, hungry team. Grizz backcourt has little room for error since the frontcourt will likely have a difficult task ahead of them. Both Mike Conley and Courtney Lee should fight for rebounds as well to take the pressure off of Zbo and Marc. It would be good if Vince Carter can hit 3 or more three point shots to get his confidence back.  We need to sit back and enjoy the heart palpitations once again. It wouldn’t be Grizzlies basketball without heart palpitations from all of its fans.