Grizzlies Turn Game Over to Evans In Loss to Pelicans

Last night the Memphis Grizzlies traveled to New Orleans to face the Pelicans on a back to back and despite leading by as many as 18 points the Grizzlies headed into Chicago with a loss.

The first half of the game was a dream. The Grizzlies were firing on all cylinders offensively and defensively. The Pelicans turned the ball over 13 times. The Grizzlies had 10 steals, 3 of them belonging to Zach Randolph. The second quarter only amplified the first quarter when the Grizzlies smothering defense held the Pelicans to 7/20 from the field. The Grizzlies shot 50% from three while the Pelicans went 2/8. Heading into halftime the Grizzlies had dictated the game and played with confidence. The only sore spot in the first half was that the Grizzlies only scored 8 of their 15 free throws. Leaving those free points on the floor would turn out to be costly.

The second half of the game was a nightmare. Tyreke Evans took over the game and the Grizzlies saw their lead evaporate. He found every open lane and scored 15 points in the second half, finishing the game with 26. The Grizzlies would finish with 14 turnovers that lead to 20 New Orleans points. The defense that held the Pelicans to a low scoring first half would allow 51% shooting in the second half. It was just a bad half of basketball that has made this recap almost impossible to write, even after re-watching. The best I can come up with? The wheels just fell off.

So what are the positives? We all had some fun being entertained by Marc and Zach fast breaks. With this win the Pelicans are now only a half game out of taking the 8th seed from the Thunder. Jeff Green got the opportunity to showcase his talents in the paint where he went 7/14 (maybe he’s a 4 after all). Let’s not forget that Grizznation had a fantastic representation in New Orleans; there were Growl Towels all over the broadcast.

The Grizzlies will play next tomorrow night in Chicago at 7 p.m. Tune in to SportSouth for our local broadcast. Aren’t local? You can catch your Memphis Grizzlies on NBA TV.

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Tabitha Smith

Tabitha was a Memphis transplant who fell in love with the Grizzlies when she moved to the 901. She now resides in Houston where she frequently finds herself in debates with Rockets fans.

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