Grizzlies Loss to Celtics Makes Three In A Row

Posted on December 21, 2016 by Carmen Patton

Share the joy

The Memphis Grizzlies faced the Boston Celtics for the first time this season at Fed Ex Forum and lost in overtime, 109-112, after leading by as many as 17 points. This was the first time the Grizzlies have lost to the Celtics at home since November 13, 2010. Ironically, that game ended in overtime as well. The Grizzlies started the game markedly better than they had their last two games (Kings & Jazz). They went into halftime up by 14 points (45-31) after allowing the Celtics to make only 12 of their 41 attempted shots. So, what happened?

“So basically, we stayed in the locker room at halftime. There are some things we could’ve done different. I should’ve probably called a timeout in regulation and drew up something better. I own that. It shouldn’t have come to that. Our defense totally failed us. Right now I’m really down on our leadership. Our huddles are like tombs right now. No one wants to step up and lead this group yet during this tough time. I’m going to keep demanding it and see who’s going to rise to the challenge.”

~Coach David Fizdale

Game Notes:

1.) Marc Gasol and Troy Daniels led all Grizzlies’ scorers with 24 points each. Gasol went 8-22 in FG, 3-4 in 3PFG, 5-5 from the FT line, and contributed 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 1 steal. Daniels went 8-13 in FG, 4-7 in 3PFG, 4-4 from the FT line, and contributed 2 rebounds and 2 steals.

2.) Mike Conley found a late rhythm scoring 12 of his 19 points in the 4th quarter, including 7 points straight that put the Grizzlies up 85-78 with 6:05 remaining in regulation. He went 6-16 in FG, 3-8 in 3PFG, 4-6 from the FT line, and had 8 assists, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals.

3.) Zach Randolph was assessed a Flagrant 2 foul (Olynyk) during the OT and was thus ejected from the game mid-way through the overtime period. He had 9 points and 5 rebounds in 21 minutes of play.

4.) Tony Allen was the Grizzlies most accurate shooter hitting 5 of his 8 shots (62.5%), led the team in offensive boards with 5 (8 total rebounds), and managed to get 1 steal and block 1 shot.

5.) JaMychal Green led the team in rebounds with 12, clearing out 8 rebounds on the defensive end. He had 11 rebounds before halftime, but only managed to get 1 in almost 13 minutes of play after halftime.

6.) Isaiah Thomas of the Celtics had a career high 44 points. Grizzlies held him to 8 points before halftime. He single-handedly scored more points than the Celtics had in the first half by scoring 36 points after halftime, including making 7 of 8 of his 3 point shots in that time frame. He also had 6 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 blocked shot.

7.) The Celtics also had double digit scoring from Al Horford (17), Avery Bradley (16), Jae Crowder (13) and Kelly Olynyk (10).

Head to Head Stats from the Game:

Field Goals: Grizzlies 40.4% (38-94); Celtics 40.7% (33-81)

3Pt Field Goals: Grizzlies 40% (12-30); Celtics 32.4% (12-37)

Rebounds: Grizzlies 52; Celtics 41

Bench Points: Grizzlies 44; Celtics 17

Assists: Grizzlies 23 (60.5% of shots); Celtics 22 (66.7% of shots)

Steals: Grizzlies 10; Celtics 7

Blocks: Grizzlies 3; Celtics 5

Takeaways for the Days Ahead:

1.) The Grizzlies have lost 3 games in 5 days after starting December strong winning 7 of 8 games in the first 15 days (7-4 for December). They’re 6 games above 0.500.

2.) The Grizzlies’ offense isn’t strong enough for a defensive collapse. This should go without saying but obviously bears repeating since that’s what ultimately led to their fall last night. Their recipe for wins is a whole lotta defense and just enough offense to outlast the opponent.

3.) Chemistry is important. A chemistry was established when Conley went out with injury, and it’s been shaken by his return, the return of James Ennis III and could see some more shaking with the imminent return of Chandler Parsons. They’ve got to keep working on building chemistry.

4.) The Marc Gasol that led the team through Conley’s injury has to continue to lead the team. This team can ill afford for Gasol to take a backseat when he’s meant to alternate driving this ship. Conley is back in the line-up, but he’s not back in rhythm offensively or defensively. An aggressively strong and active Marc Gasol can cover up a multitude of sins though.

5.) Everyone has to play their part in making this team successful. Conley and Gasol are meant to be the team’s leaders, but everyone has a role to play. Each member of this roster is going to have to steadily improve and capitalize on their strengths for this team to get wins.

What’s Ahead:

The Grizzlies headed to Detroit last night as they will face a Pistons team tonight with its own set of issues right now. They’ve lost their way defensively, and they’ve taken some pretty tough losses as a result. Currently the Pistons are 14-16 and like the Grizzlies have lost 4 of their last 5. They too are looking to snap a 3 game losing streak.

Word is Pistons’ coach Stan Van Gundy is planning to tinker with his starting line-up. Two familiar names to the Grizzlies have been speculated as making their way into the starting line-up: Jon Leuer and Ish Smith. Van Gundy said after their loss on Monday that there would be a line-up change, but he has not officially announced who will shift out of the line-up.

Both teams look to break a 3 game losing streak tonight. Both teams look to restore some order tonight. Both coaches look to find some leadership in their players tonight. The Grizzlies have yet to lose on the 2nd night of a back to back this season. The Pistons haven’t won at home since December 6. It’s survival of the fittest. Who wants this win more? Catch the 6:30 p.m. tip-off from Detroit to find out. Go Grizz!!

**Sources used nba.com, landofbasketball.com, Grizzlies Communications**