Grizzlies had that ‘Magic’ Touch and are Headed to the Big D!

Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol lead the Grizzlies to a victory over the Orlando Magic at the Grindhouse last night. The Grizzlies improve to 32-12 and are 20 games over 500. The inside presence of the Smash Brothers (Zbo & Big Spain) was too much for the Magic to overcome. At one point the Grizzlies lead by 20 points but waned in the final minutes in the fourth quarter. Coach J had to rely on his starters to close out the game.

Game Notes

1) Grizzlies scored 67 points in the first half (season high)

2) Grizzlies had 5 players in double figures lead by Mr. Memphis himself, Zach Randolph. Zbo was close to a triple double. He finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, l steal and a block. Zbo recorded his 9th straight double double and has his 15 straight game with double digit rebounds. Zach Randolph should be an All Star this season!!

3. Marc Gasol finished with another double double, his 12th of the season. He accounted for 16 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and a block. (Note: Big Spain and Zbo amassed for 40 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists)

4) Beno Udrih is a stone cold shooter!! It baffles me he didn’t get playing time for the Knicks. I am so glad the Grizz claimed him off waivers last season!! Beno played 26 minutes  off the bench and had a very good game. He ended up with 15 points, 5 assists and a season high 4 steals. Beno did BENO things.

5) Jeff Green and Courtney Lee both had solid games. JG was 4-6 from the field, 2-2 from the 3 point line. He had 12 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal and a block. C Lee had 11 points, was 2-4 from the 3 point line and was 5-5 from the free thrown line.

6) Jon Leuer proved that white men can jump!!

Watch @BenoUdrih1 find @JLeu30 for the fast break slam! https://t.co/xmZnjyZb6k

— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) January 27, 2015

 

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Grizzlies traveled to Dallas after the game on Monday night and are set to take on the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center tonight. Tip Off is at 7:30 pm and will be shown on SportSouth. These teams met just 8 days ago in Memphis on January 19, 2015 for the Grizzlies annual MLK Day game. It was a disappointing loss for the Grizzlies and they would like to bounce back against their division rivals tonight.

Things that need to happen

1) The Smash Brothers (Zbo and Big Spain) need to have a monster game. Big Spain must be dominant against Tyson Chandler if he plays (Chandler is day to day suffering from a left knee injury). Zbo need to once again give Dirk the business. If Zbo struggle with in defense of Dirk, maybe Joerger need to give Tyrus Thomas a shot at guarding Dirk.

2) If Dirk Nowitzki, Chandler Parsons and Monta Ellis all have a good game, it’s going to be a long night for our boys in blue.

3) If Tony Allen is not available to play, it’s going to be even a tougher night for the wing players. And with Mike Conley possibly side lined as well, it may be even worse for them.

4) Grizzlies need to win the 50/50 balls.

5) Grizzlies need to win the rebounding and points in the paint battle.

6) They need to defend the 3 point line even better. This has been a problem for the team lately.

7) The Grizzlies need to convert more threes if the opportunity presents itself. Courtney Lee, Vince Carter and Jeff Green need to get going from the 3 point line tonight.

8) Bench production may be key to the winning the game. Since it’s on a night of a back to back, the bench may get more playing time. The bench need to sustain a lead if the starters manage to get one. During last night’s game, Joerger had bring the starters back in to save the game. The bench need to continue to earn Joerger’s trust and they have to step up if this team wants to go to the NBA Finals this season.

9) This is a must win game. Seeding in the playoffs will determine favorable match ups for the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies can’t take a night off against their division rivals. This game is very important.

10) This will be a tough match up and might be a true grit and grind game. They need to scratch and claw their way to a win.