Revenge of the Bear: Grizzlies vs Hawks recap
The Atlanta Hawks might currently have the best record in the league, but last night in the Grindhouse they were no match for the Grizzlies. There was a definite playoffs feel to the game last night, and perhaps this is a preview of what lies ahead for us.
Fresh off a frustrating loss to the Timberwolves in Minnesota, one might say the Grizzlies had something to prove last night. By the time the final buzzer sounded, this team definitely proved they were as tough and tenacious as the Hawks. When the Grizzlies control the pace of the game and force their opponents to play their style of basketball, it seems things usually go their way.
Courtesy of Jennifer Conroy
The battle of the boards easily went to the home team, with 55 total rebounds to the Hawks 37. Rebounds were an area in which the Grizzlies showed their dominance, especially on the offensive glass. Four Grizzlies (Jeff Green, Zach Randolph, Tony Allen, and Kosta Koufos) had as many or more offensive rebounds than the entire Hawks squad combined.
The Grizzlies still struggled from the three point line, shooting just 23% from beyond the arc. All three of the Grizzlies 3 point makes came in the 4th quarter, including two in a row from Captain Clutch, aka Mike Conley. Conley was the team high scorer for the night, with 21 points and 6 assists on 7 of 12 shooting, and 5 for 5 from the free throw line. He was also the game high leader for steals, finishing the night with 3 of them.
It is well known that the Grizzlies hang their hats on their aggressive style of defense, and last night was no exception. Memphis was able to hold 3 of Atlanta’s 5 starters to single digits, whereas all but one of our starting 5 scored in double digits. It was the Hawks bench that kept them in the game, accounting for 38 of the team’s 88 points.
Courtesy of Jennifer Conroy
Being able to score with the clock stopped comes in handy in tough games such as this one. While both teams shot a respectable 91% from the free throw line, the Grizzlies were able to get there ten more times. Hawks made 10 of their 11 free throw opportunities, and the Grizzlies made 19 of 21.
Tony Allen did what he does, and stuck to Kyle Korver like glue. Korver leads the league percentage wise in 3 point shooting, but was only able to convert 2 of 5 from beyond the arc last night. The Hawks outshot the Grizzlies from 3, with 12 makes compared to our 3, but they struggled to keep up with us in the paint, with just 34 paint points to the Grizzlies 52.
The Hawks are a formidable opponent, poised for a deep playoff run in the East, but the Grizzlies made it clear they are a force to be reckoned with as well.
Final score, Grizzlies 94, Hawks 88
Doesn't bluff, stays grinding.
Bluff City Born and Memphis Made
- Memphis Grizzlies Assistant Coach Niele Ivey Named New Head Coach for Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Team - April 22, 2020
- Notes From Grizzlies Media Day 2019 - October 2, 2019
- Memphis Grizzlies 2019 Training Camp Roster - September 30, 2019
