Grizzlies down Rockets and head to San Antonio

Share the joy

Ten quick tidbits on the Grizzlies’ 96-84 win at home against the Rockets on Friday.

1. Marc Gasol notched his first career triple double with 16 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists. The last Grizz player to record a triple double was Marc’s brother, Pau Gasol in January 24, 2007 against the Utah Jazz.

2. Mike Conley was the Grizzlies high scorer with 26 points while going 10-of-17 from the field and 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. He also chipped in five assists and three steals.

3. Since Zach Randolph was sidelined for knee soreness, Matt Barnes had to step up off the bench. Barnes played 34 solid minutes with 12 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Grizzlies Head Coach Dave Joerger called this the best game by Barnes since he’s been with the Grizzlies.

4. The Grizzlies defense was on high alert with a season high 16 steals lead by Gasol (4), Barnes (3), Conley (3), Jeff Green (2), Vince Carter, Tony Allen, Courtney Lee and Mario Chalmers all had one steal each. Also the Grizzlies scored 30 points off of the 23 Rockets turnovers.

5. The Grizzlies are on a four game win streak (7-6) after dropping four straight earlier in November against the Blazers, Jazz, Clippers and Warriors.

6. This is the first game of the season in which the Grizzlies haven’t scored 100 points in a win and it’s the lowest point total of their opponent this season.

7. Mario Chalmers continues to bring good things to the table in his four games as a member of the team. He has scored in double figures in each game. It was no exception in last night’s game. Chalmers finished with 10 points, four rebounds and three assists. He only played 17 minutes since he was in foul trouble early.

8. James Harden led the Rockets with 22 points, six rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Dwight Howard also recorded his third double-double of the season with 12 points and 15 rebounds.

9. The Grizzlies bench outscored the Rockets bench 34-19. The Grizzlies also had 25 fast break points while the Rockets had 20 fast break points.

10. Vince Carter played in 18 minutes off the bench. This is the second game of the season in which Carter has been on the floor. He connected on two three pointers and ended the night with six points, three rebounds and a team high two blocks.

 

Post Game 


Grizzlies vs Spurs Preview

The Grizzlies headed to San Antonio after their win over the Rockets. This is the first meeting of four this season for the Grizzlies and Spurs. In their last outing, the Spurs beat the Grizzlies 103-89.

The Spurs have the second best record in the west and the best record in the southwest division (9-3). The Grizzlies are fifth in the west and third in the southwest division (7-6).

The Grizzlies will likely be without forward Zach Randolph for the second game in the row due to knee soreness. The Spurs will likely be without LaMarcus Aldridge who suffered an ankle injury in last night’s loss against the Pelicans.

Five keys to victory for the Grizzlies

1. Defend the three point line as much as possible and stop gambling on defense. Mistakes against the Spurs will be costly. Tony Allen, Matt Barnes and Courtney Lee must play great defense.

2. Marc Gasol and Mike Conley must have a repeat performance from last night’s game. The Grizzlies cannot and will not win against the Spurs if their best players have an off night.

3. The Grizzlies bench must be ready to step up especially Matt Barnes and Mario Chalmers.

4. Since Randolph will likely be out, the Grizzlies must do a better job at rebounding the ball. JaMychal Green who will likely start, must step up tonight in Zbo’s offense. Once again, the Spurs will make the Grizzlies pay with costly mistakes.

5. The Grizzlies have to win the points in the paint battle because I doubt they will out shoot the Spurs from the three point line like they did the Rockets last night. The Spurs are a well oiled machine that can beat you at every angle. The Grizzlies should stick to what they know.

This will not be an easy game by a long shot but the Grizzlies must go out and compete. It should be a hard fought game and fun to watch. Let’s just hope the Grizzlies will be on a five game win streak after tonight.

Tip-Off

When: 7:30 PM, CST

Where:  AT&T Center in San Antonio, TX

TV/Radio Broadcast: Fox Sports Southeast/92.9 FM ESPN

Sharon Brown
Follow me
Latest posts by Sharon Brown (see all)

Share the joy