Grizzlies feel the Heat on Beale

Notes on Grizzlies 90-81 loss to the Miami Heat

Sometimes unexpected situations happen in life. Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph lost his beloved mother on Thanksgiving Day. The team had to deal with that tragedy and play a game the next day. Zbo wasn’t with the team but his absence was felt.

 

Grizzlies Coach Fizdale didn’t try to justify the loss. “I don’t want to give us any excuses. We had enough to win tonight, said Fizdale. “I thought we prepared well. I’m sure they had heavy hearts. We all did. Zach (Randolph) is a big part of our team personality.”

 

Marc Gasol described how it was in Zach’s absence:

“We care so much about Zach and his family. We’ve been together for a long time and it’s been two tough days for us, especially the guys who have been here and know his family. Our thoughts are with him. He knows that and we’ve been communicating with him. We support him in any way we can. The thing with Zach that we can all relate to is that we all have family members that have passed. It’s hard but once you get into your routine, everything else changes. You feel weird but you have to go through it. It’s hard (for us) but you still have to do your job.”

As Fizz stated, Zbo is a big part of the personality of the team. He is devastated and the guys who are in the locker room are hurting with him. These players are close like family.

Their six game win streak is over and they have a chance to go on another six game win streak. Only they know if their minds were on the game, but it is understandable if their minds were with their brother who is grieving.

 

Stats of the Game:

Field Goal Percentage: Grizzlies 35.4 percent (29-82), Heat 38.8 percent (33-85).

Rebounds: Grizzlies 51 (16 OREB), Heat 44 (10 OREB)

Points in the Paint: Grizzlies 38, Heat 34

Fast Break Points: Grizzlies 6, Heat 11

Three Point Field Goals: Grizzlies 21.1 percent (4/19), Heat 38.7 percent (12/31)

Bench Points: Grizzlies 46, Heat 36

Assists: Grizzlies 14, Heat 17

Steals: Grizzlies 3 Heat 8

 

 

Player Notes

Grizzlies had two players in double figures:

Mike Conley led the Grizzlies as a reserve with 16 points, four rebounds, three steals and three assists.

JaMychal Green added 14 points and six rebounds. 

Marc Gasol had nine points and a season high five blocks.

Jarell Martin grabbed a career high 12 rebounds. 

 

 

Heat had five players in double figures:

Off the bench, Tyler Johnson led his team with 22 points, five rebounds and two steals.

Dion Waiters finished with 15 points, four assists, four rebounds and three steals.

James Johnson chipped in 13 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Johnson was 3-of-4 from the three point line. 

Josh Richardson tallied 12 points, four assists and three rebounds

Rodney McGruder added 10 points and three rebounds.

 

What They Said!!

Comments from Mike Conley after the game:

 

Up Next

The Grizzlies will face the Heat again in Miami on tonight.

Game time: 7pm CST