Preview: Grizzlies Wrap Up 3-Game West Coast Trip

Posted on February 25, 2015 by Sarah Smith

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Better tell your boss you’ll be tired again after a second weeknight Grizzlies west coast game. After back-to-back wins against two tough Western Conference playoff contenders, the Grizzlies face Rudy Gay and the Sacramento Kings in California tonight. Let’s hope our boys in blue bring home a 3-0 road trip. The Kings are 19-35 and coming off a loss last Saturday to the Clippers. This is the third of four games in the series & Grizzlies lead 2-0.

While Sacramento’s record may make this seem like an easy win, the Griz still have a tough opponent ahead. It is their third game this week on the road, and don’t forget the November 13th buzzer-beater we almost lost to the Kings. Social media always has good reactions to a former Grizz matchup, and for good reason. Rudy Gay is averaging 20 PPG in the last 10 games but 22.5 PPG against Memphis. Let’s hope our Grizzlies bring their rising offense and elite defense for an easy win.

Keys to the Game:

1. We must have solid performances from Marc & Zach. We can’t lose games against losing-record teams because Gasol or Z-Bo have a 6-point game.
2. Perimeter defense to prevent Sacramento’s shooters from relying on the 3-point shot
3. Strength off the bench to balance out the mental toughness of a 3-game road streak
4. Jeff Green needs to play like he has the past two games. Green had a total of 16 points and 6 rebounds on Monday against the Clippers.
5. A couple of C-Lee for 3!

If the Grizzlies want to retain their spot in second or move in on the Warriors, games like tonight are must-wins. A 3-0 west coast road trip is the way the Grizzlies need to return to the FedEx Forum on Friday. I predict a solid performance from the Grizzlies against the Kings, and although it is still my favorite play of the season—lets hope it doesn’t come down to a buzzer.