Grizzlies vs Mavs recap/ Grizz vs Blazers pre-game

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Can I get a Hallelujah/Amen?! The Grizz came correct against the Dallas Mavericks last night, and a return to Grizz faith was had throughout the blue nation. Dave Joerger hinted at changes in the line-up several weeks ago, and last night he was true to his word. Tony Allen was reinserted into the starting five, and all was right in the world of Grizz. It’s no secret that Allen prefers the starting status. In discussing the Jeff Green trade, I’ve made mention that Green prefers to come off the bench, choosing to alleviate the pressure associated with the start. He wants to blend in rather than out, and did not want to rock the chemistry boat. But rock it did. There has been much discussion of Green’s quick insertion and it consequences. The Tony Allen effect is real, and if Allen isn’t happy, no one’s happy.

Mike Conley returned to play after missing several games due to a nagging ankle sprain that was aggravated against the Boston Celtics. “We needed a quick mindset change. Go out and play aggressive. Play with reckless abandon defensively. Play through the mistakes.” Mike quickly shook off the rust putting up a respectable 14 points, 2 from behind the arch.

Zach Randolph took ownership of his post Pistons comments saying “When I made the comments about us being soft, that included myself.”  We all know Randolph is a BAD MAN, and willing to put his body behind his words. He posted up 21, although his rebound count was low. Late in the fourth Randolph popped his knee, and was limping. Marc Gasol recorded his second consecutive double double 15 and 10. This was the most aggressive we’ve seen Gasol post All-Star break. Gasol fouled out of the ballgame late in the fourth. When the Smash Brothers are aggressive, the whole team responds. Unstoppable. Chandler Parsons, who has been white hot for the Mavs said “Doesn’t get much uglier than that. They dominated from start to finish. We made a lot of mistakes, missed a lot of open shots, free throws. Defensively they gave us problems all night long.”

Vince Carter, who played for the Mavs last year, has continued to prove that rest and rehabilitation on the left foot tendon injury, has done him well. Carter was solid shooting clutch 3 for 7 from the perimeter. Tony Allen still has his offensive rhythm clicking putting up double digits. Allen was joined in his defensive perimeter shutdown by Courtney Lee. While Lee was held to 5 points, he very effectively shut down Monta Ellis all night. Ellis had only 2 points in the first half, finishing with just 12.

Dirk Nowitzki also struggled last night, fouling out in the fourth quarter, and was confined to the bench. After a Tony Allen foul, Amar’e Stoudemire was assessed two of the quickest technical fouls in his career. In protest, Stoudemire approached ref Scott Foster in Hulk fashion. There will surely be fines attached to the ejection. Rick Carlisle said “It was a microcosm of many bad things that happened”.

The Grizz shot 64% in the second half, the best post half-time percentage since the All Star break. The Grizz held the Mavs to 34 of 76 (45%) from the field, and 8 of 22 (26%) from the perimeter. Poor free throw shooting also impacted the loss for the Mavs, who went 25 for 36 from the charity stripe.

“That was a good game, a competitive Western Conference game. Both teams wanted it, and we came out of it on top.” -Dave Joerger

It’s onto the next one. Tonight the Grizzlies host the Portland TrailBlazers at the FedEx Forum. Tip off is at 7 o’clock.

The Blazers got extinguished last night, losing to the Orlando Magic 111-104. The last match-up between Memphis and Portland the Grizz erased a 13 point deficit in the 4th quarter to pull out the win. The clutch play belonged to Marc Gasol, who confidently knocked down a jumper from free throw territory with 30 seconds remaining. Interesting to note, in seasons past the fourth quarter is where the Grizzlies typically dissolved. This year the fourth is the resurgence. Especially after third quarter leads evaporate.

Portland center Chris Kaman left play with a shoulder injury. His status is unknown for this evening. Wes Mattthews remains sidelined with a torn ACL. The shooting guard position will be a key match-up between Courtney Lee, and Arron Affalo.  Defense of the perimeter has been a struggle for the Grizzlies all season. While Courtney Lee has struggled offensively as of late, his defensive play at the perimeter, coupled with Tony Allen, has effectively locked the lane. If teams can no longer shoot lights out from the perimeter, and Gasol and Randolph continue to slam in the paint, the Grizz will bring home the ring. Believe that. We’ll see you at the Forum.

 

Jennifer Conroy
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