Memphis says goodbye to Kobe: Grizz win 128-115
Before 18,119 people at the Grindhouse, Memphis said goodbye to Kobe Bryant. At many times during the game, it seemed as if we were in Los Angeles at the Staples Center. Many in the crowd broke out in KOBE chants.
Matt Barnes and P.J. Hairston both stepped up after not producing in the Grizzlies loss to the Raptors last Sunday. Barnes and Hairston combined for nine three pointers.
The Grizzlies scored 30 or more points in all four quarters last night against the Lakers. HOLY COW!! They haven’t accomplished this since the 2006-2007 season.
Post game quotes from the Grizzlies and Lakers can be found here.
Stats of the Game:
Field Goal Percentage: 56. 5 percent (48/85), Lakers 44.3 percent (39/88).
Rebounds: Grizzlies 46 (9 OREB), Lakers 45 (15 OREB)
Points in the Paint: Grizzlies 54 (48/85), Lakers 30 (23/47)
Fast Break Points: Grizzlies 19 (7/11) , Lakers 18 (6/12)
Three Point Field Goals: Grizzlies 48.1 percent (13/27), Lakers 43.6 percent (17/39)
Bench Points: Grizzlies 36, Lakers 44
Steals: Grizzlies 6, Lakers 5
Player Notes
Grizzlies had six players in double figures
Matt Barnes led the Grizzlies with a season high 25 points (9-of-14) and 8 rebounds. Barnes also went 5-of-9 from the three point line.
Mike Conley with a near triple double added 24 points (10-of-14), eight assists and six rebounds.
Zach Randolph with a near double double chipped in 14 points (5-of-12), nine rebounds and three assists.
PJ Hairston finished with 17 points (5-of-9). He also tied his career high with four three points (4-of-7).
Brandan Wright (bench) also scored a season high 15 points (7-of-10). He also grabbed 6 rebounds.
JaMychal Green chipped in 12 points (5-of-8) and nine rebounds.
Lakers also had six players in double figures:
Jordan Clarkson led all scorers with 28 points (10-of-18). He also had six rebounds and three assists. Clarkson went 6-of-11 (career high) from beyond the arc.
D’Angelo Russell (8-of-19) and Lou Williams (6-of–13) both added 22 points a piece. Russell ended with a career high eight assists.
Julius Randle finished with his 24th double double of the season. He ended with 11 points (4-of-9) and 14 rebounds.
Brandon Bass scored 11 points (3-of-5) and grabbed six rebounds.
Kobe Bryant added 13 points (5-of-14).
Highlights:
. @StephensonLance w/ the euro step and the finger roll > https://t.co/saQPTYeqaH
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) February 25, 2016
. @hairston_pj shows off the bounce! https://t.co/2N6eC7GHXg
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) February 25, 2016
Thoughts:
The Grizzlies are in the midst of a huge adjustment period after trades and losing Marc Gasol for the remainder of the season due to injury.
1. This was best offensive output from the Grizzlies all season. They shot above 50 percent in each quarter. Will this last? I highly doubt it. I don’t know if they can find a middle ground. Everyone must come together and do that they need to do grind out wins.
2. Will Lance Stephenson become an integral part of the offense? And how well can he adjust to his role on the team? He’s the playmaker that Dave Joerger has been desiring. Will he be able to live up to the ‘Born Ready’ of his Pacers days?
3. The defense has suffered without both Gasol and Tony Allen. Allen missed his second straight game due to his sore left knee. This team gave up 17 three pointer to the Lakers and that is not a good. They can’t afford to give up that many threes against the elite teams. With 26 games left, they need to figure it out quickly.
4. I would love to see the confident P. J. Hairston perform like he did against the Lakers. Consistency is key. He had a lot of potential and that was evident. By the way, #FreeJordanAdams.
5. We don’t know for sure how the Grizzlies season will end but I do guarantee it will be interesting with the #GoonSquad. It might not be pretty but it definitely will be GRITTY!!
@memgrizz #GoonSquad#RideOrCollid e pic.twitter.com/vHjQ9fz1vJ
— Growl Towel Carol (@Grizzfanatic23) February 25, 2016
Goodbye Kobe
Kobe ended his last NBA game in Memphis with a loss. Kobe has scorched the Grizzlies many times in his career and is a future Hall of Famer.
Bryant is a player who I have respected throughout his career. He is the person fans love to hate. His farewell tour is very good to the NBA. Best of luck Kobe on your retirement. Farwell Mamba. It was nice to shake you hand.
#Legends https://t.co/sNx1yNDfV3
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 25, 2016
Then & now…. @kobebryant it's always been a pleasure to battle you. 18 great years to be exact. #SALUTE!!!!! pic.twitter.com/XLlrgeu9x0
— Vince Carter (@mrvincecarter15) February 25, 2016
Interesting stats:
Congrats to @mrvincecarter15 for passing Charles Barkley on the all-time scoring list. Sorry, Chuck! pic.twitter.com/RE2c9i6Fxw
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 25, 2016
The #Grizzlies have scored a season-high 123 points tonight. Previous season high was 122 on 11/16/15 vs OKC.
— Ross Wooden (@RossWooden) February 25, 2016
****Stats via Grizzlies.com****
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