Grizzlies vs. Trailblazers: A Clean Sweep
Courtesy of Jennifer Conroy
On Saturday, the Memphis Grizzlies faced the Portland Trailblazers for the fourth and final time this season. The final result of this match-up was no different than the other three: the Grizzlies were victorious (97-86). In fact, the Grizzlies have won 9 of the last 10 games played with the Blazers. Saturday’s victory led the Grizzlies to their first ever season series sweep with the Blazers. The Grizzlies and the Blazers were both on the 2nd night of a back to back. The Blazers were defeated by the Orlando Magic on Friday, and the Grizzlies were victorious against the Dallas Mavericks. After Saturday’s match-up, the Blazers left Memphis with a 44-24 record and the Grizzlies will head to New York with a 49-21 record to play the Knicks on Monday.
Which team (aggressive or passive Grizzlies) showed up?
In Friday night’s game, Coach Joerger reintroduced a familiar starting line-up of Conley, Lee, Gasol, Allen and Randolph. Media reports indicated that Jeff Green privately requested to come off the bench. Maybe re-inserting Allen into the starting line-up could give the Grizzlies the spark they needed to close out a tough set of games the rest of the season. The plan seemed to work as the Grizzlies went on to defeat the Dallas Mavericks. On Saturday, however, it was announced that Courtney Lee would not be playing on Saturday due to a hand sprain. So, Jeff Green was re-inserted into the starting line-up as SF with Allen at SG.
Make no mistake about it; the aggressive, grit and grind Grizzlies showed up to the game on Saturday night. Saturday’s 35 point first quarter was the highest point output of any first quarter this season. The 17,898 fans in the Grindhouse on Saturday witnessed an amazing first quarter from the back court of Conley and Allen. The duo went 7/7 in FGs and 2/2 in 3 point shots (including one made by Tony Allen). The domination of the back court was a sign of good things to come in this game.
It’s raining 3’s, Hallelujah; it’s raining 3’s, Amen!
The Grizzlies ended the night 11/18 from beyond the arc. Jeff Green, who led the Grizzlies in points with 23, shot 5/7 from 3 point line. Green has actually made 10 of his last 15 attempted 3 point shots. Mike Conley played in his second game since resting after an ankle injury and shot 3/5 from the 3 point line. Mike ended the game with 21 points and 9 assists. The final 3 point shot of the game was a 25 ft jumper made by Zach Randolph with 2:49 left in the game. Randolph ended the game with 17 points. Statistics show that the Grizzlies are 18-0 when they make as many or more 3 point shots than their opponents. Portland ended the night 6/22 from beyond the arc.
Game Leaders
Points: Jeff Green led the Grizzlies with 23 points. Damian Lillard of the Blazers led all scorers with 27 points.
Rebounds: Tony Allen led the Grizzlies with 11. Joel Freeland and Robin Lopez tied at 7 to lead the Blazers.
Assists: Mike Conley led the Grizzlies with 9. Damian Lillard led the Blazers with 7.
Steals: Tony Allen led the Grizzlies with 6. Dorrell Wright led the Blazers with 2.
Points to Ponder
The Grizzlies are 27-7 (16-6 in the Western Conference) at the Grindhouse this season.
The Grizzlies are 10-7 on a second night of a back to back.
On Saturday, Jeff Green scored the highest number of points he’s scored in a Grizzlies’ uniform with 23 points.
Tony Allen has had 27 steals in the last 8 games, which is an average of 3.38 per game.
Allen is the only player in the league with at least 3 games of 6 plus steals currently (that screams All-Defensive 1st Team).
- Grizzlies dominate Hawks again in 118-101 victory - March 8, 2020
- Grizzlies rally too late, fall to Pelicans 126-116 - January 21, 2020
- Grizzlies win fifth straight, defeat Warriors 122-102 - January 13, 2020
