Grizzlies Flop Against the Clippers
Courtesy of Jennifer Conroy
It seemed last night’s giveaway was not the only thing that flopped in Memphis. The Grizzlies lost to the Clippers 97-79 in one of their worst performances this season. Thankfully, we haven’t had to suffer through many games like last night’s, so let’s get this over with as soon as possible. Once I finish this recap I am going to forget this game and move on to tonight’s matchup against the Timberwolves.
The game started out slow on both ends of the court, with neither team reaching double digits until a Matt Barnes 3 with 5:14 left in the first quarter. Despite shooting 25% to the Clippers 36.4% in the first quarter, the Grizzlies still emerged only down by 1. Unfortunately, the Grizzlies would never find traction and despite Zach bringing in another double, they would finish the game at 37.9% shooting and only 66.7% from the free throw line.
Mike Conley, who’s tagline has been how undervalued he is, had a rough night. He shot 18.2% from the field, scoring only 4 points. Mike was not the only Grizzly to struggle. Jeff Green, who had previously been able to find a way to spark energy into the game, was 0/6, scoring his 2 points on FTs. Overall the team lacked focus and energy. The Grizzles average 12.9 turnovers on the season and last night exceeded that number with 16, resulting in 16 Clippers points. I don’t know about you but in all honesty I would have guessed that number to be even higher. Sloppy passing and careless shots were the story of the night. This type of play led to more offensive possessions for the Clippers off their 38 defensive rebounds and ultimately to the Grizzlies defeat. Chris Paul led the Clippers with 19 points and 13 assists, while DeAndre Jordan scored 15 points and gathered 22 rebounds.
Courtesy of Jennifer Conroy
Of course, if didn’t help that the officiating was a tad one sided. You could visibly see the frustration build in the team when our defense was not able to exist without the whistle. Jeff Green was called for a foul when his elbow inadvertently brushed Matt Barnes’ chin. What’s the trouble with that call you might ask? Well, later in the game Matt Barnes’ elbow sent Conley to the bench with a cut brow and the whistle never sounded. I won’t blame the refs but this game was a tough one to watch on all levels. The Grizzlies shot 15 FTs to the Clippers 28. Luckily, 17 of those belonged to DeAndre Jordan and only 7 of them translated into points for the Clippers.
The highlight of the night was Zach’s performance. Zach did what he could to carry the team on his back. Zach finished the night 10/18, shooting 55.6%, leading the team in scoring with 20 points.
Grizzlies fans also got some circus shots for glimpses of entertainment. Mike Conley provided an in traffic shot, while falling and Zach got the home court bounce off the top of the backboard for a bucket. Check out the Vines of the plays here. Actually, you may just want to watch these moments over and over until you forget about the rest of the game.
Zach Randolph Can Ball https://t.co/zO4stY1uKD
— Tabbi Joy (@tabnmem) February 28, 2015
Circus Mike https://t.co/HiZpoRIQK7
— Tabbi Joy (@tabnmem) February 28, 2015
All that aside, I would like to address a more somber note. The ladies of All Heart in Hoop City would like to extend their condolences to the family and friends of the Grizzlies fan that passed away last night. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all.
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