No Buzzing Allowed: Grizzlies vs. Hornets Preview
The Memphis Grizzlies are set to face the Charlotte Hornets at Fed Ex Forum tonight exactly one week after they defeated them in Charlotte, 105-90. Both teams have played 3 games each since they last faced each other. The Grizzlies have won 2 of their 3, while the Hornets have won 1 of their 3. Given that it’s only been a week, let’s look at what’s different, what they did well, what they need to stay consistent on, and where they can improve so that the Grizzlies can secure a win to start the week off right.
What’s Different?
James Ennis III and Zach Randolph played in the game against the Hornets last week. This is the game where Ennis joined the injury list. Ennis started as small forward and contributed 7 points (3 of 4 from the field) and 2 assists in 13 minutes. Randolph played 20 minutes off the bench and contributed 14 points (7 of 14 from the field), 8 rebounds and 1 assist. Ennis is still on the injury list; Randolph is on personal leave. That’s the downside.
On a brighter note though, Troy Williams only played 4 minutes in that game. He didn’t score. However, just 2 days ago against the Miami Heat, Williams started as the shooting guard (Tony Allen was at SF), and contributed 18 points (6 of 12 shooting), 3 rebounds and 2 assists in 35 minutes of play. He brought energy and exuberance to the Grizzlies. Given that performance, Williams may get to start again tonight.
Another upside is that Jarell Martin played 8 minutes in the first match-up against the Hornets, but didn’t make a real impact. He’s seen an average of 15 minutes per game since they last faced the Hornets, and though he struggled (1-5 from the field) against the Philadelphia 76ers, he shot an average of 50% from the field against the Miami Heat in the last 2 games averaging 8 rebounds between those 2 games. Additionally, Deyonta Davis only saw 1 minute of action in Charlotte, but he has played in the last 2 games averaging 12 minutes a game. He’s been solid around the rim with 2 blocks in each game, 6 rebounds between the 2 games, and made 3 of the 4 shots he had in the 2 games.
What Went Well?
The Grizzlies starters were able to hold the Hornets starters to 38 points, while scoring 75 points. Mike Conley led all scorers with 31 points. Kemba Walker and Nicolas Batum combined for 25 points. The Grizzlies had one more rebound and one more steal than the Hornets, 40 to 39 and 7 to 6, respectively. They had 24 assists on 40 made baskets, so they did a fairly good job of sharing the ball. They were below their average turnovers with 10. They went 12-26 from three, while holding the Hornets to 9-31.
What Needs to Carryover?
The Grizzlies got out to a fast start with the Hornets, scoring nearly 70 points in the first half. They don’t necessarily need to score nearly 70 points in the first half, but they do need to keep that fast start. They also need to keep Kemba Walker contained again. If Walker can get going for the Hornets, things may not go as smoothly as they did in Charlotte.
All the things that went well in Charlotte need to go well tonight. Defense led to offense in Charlotte. That needs to carryover tonight, tomorrow, and every other game they play this season.
Where Do They Improve?
The bench really needs to be good tonight. The win could very well depend on their success tonight. Vince Carter has hit a rough patch as you would expect a nearly 40 year old veteran to do. The bench will need his leadership tonight, especially with Randolph on leave.
They’ve also got to do a better job of containing Frank Kaminsky. He ran completely amuck on the Grizzlies in Charlotte, leading the Hornets with 23 points. The Grizzlies didn’t see Jeremy Lamb last Monday due to injury, but he played in place of Nic Batum (corneal injury) in the Hornets sole win (Knicks) since playing the Grizzlies and came out and put up 18 points and grabbed a career high 17 rebounds. The Grizzlies don’t need to allow that type of showing tonight. Smother them on defense early and often.
The Grizzlies also didn’t see Cody Zeller last Monday. They’ve got to be sure to keep a paint presence and not allow him to take over with 2nd chance opportunities for the Hornets or eliminate their 2nd chance opportunities. The offense can’t afford to grow stagnant from missed opportunities.
This is the last time the Grizzlies will face the Hornets this season. Let’s see if they can kill their buzz and take the season sweep. Don’t miss any of the action. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. from Fed Ex Forum. Go Grizz!!
**Stats from nba.com**
- 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
