Shy’s Perspective: Grizzmas come early for the Grizzlies

Posted on December 24, 2016 by Sharon Brown

Share the joy

The Grizzlies received an early Grizzmas gift with a win over the Rockets. After losing three straight at home, the team redeemed themselves with a win in front of the home crowd. One might say it was a moment of atonement especially against a division rival. The Grizzlies are now 4-0 in the southwest division and are now 13-2 in “super clutch” situations (margin +/- 3 in the final minute of regulation or overtime).

This season, the Grizzlies have beaten the Warriors, Clippers, Cavaliers and now the Rockets. These are top tier teams in the league. A win is a win no matter what; but beating up the big brothers of the league is oh so sweet. Plus snapping the Rockets five game road winning streak added more enjoyment.

The win was a great Grizzmas present for Grizzlies Head Coach David Fizdale. He spoke about if he wanted anything for Christmas:

“I just got it. All I wanted was that win. I don’t ask for a lot. My wife is still trying to figure out what I want. I don’t need anything. I got a head coaching job with a good team in a great city and I got a win right before Christmas so I’m a happy camper. Also, my son is here visiting me so I’m alright.”

Stats of the Grizzmas Game

Field Goal Percentage: Rockets 42.7 percent (38/89), Grizzlies 50.6 percent (41/81)

Rebounds: Rockets 41 (10 OREB), Grizzlies 37 (8 OREB)

Bench Points: Rockets 27, Grizzlies 55

Points in the Paint: Rockets 32, Grizzlies 42

Three Point Field Goals: Rockets 38.5 percent (20/52), Grizzlies 52.0 percent (13/25)

Second Chance Points: Rockets 14, Grizzlies 11

Fastbreak Points: Rockets 14, Grizzlies 22

Assists: Rockets 15, Grizzlies 22

Steals: Rockets 11 Grizzlies 10

Game Notes for Grizzmas

1) Mike Conley led the Grizzlies with 24 points and five rebounds. He best game since he’s returned to the court due to injury. This was Conley’s ninth game of the season in which he scored 20 or more points.

“It’s a good statement win and it was a good win to get right before we go out [on the road],” Conley conveyed. He added, “we still have a lot of tough teams ahead of us, especially coming up on the road in January. So we try to get as many as we can while we’re at home.”

ALL HAIL THE GRIZZLIES BENCH!!

2) Zach Randolph ended with 16 points, five rebounds and four assists. Randolph shot 72.7 percent from the field while going 8-of-11. “Z-Bo is seeming to find his groove a little bit again,” Fizdale said.

3) According to Fizdale, “old Vince Carter keeps reinventing himself.” Carter added 14 points and four rebounds. He went 4-of-6 from the three point line. It’s the third time this season, Carter has had four or more three pointers.

4) James Ennis had a remarkable game. He finished with 13 points while going 5-of-7 from the field and shooting 71.4 percent. Fizdale believes Ennis is finding his rhythm again. He converted on three of five three-point attempts.

5) Ryan Anderson scored a season-high 31 points while going 8-of-14 from the three point line.

6) James Harden recorded his 24th double-double of the season with 16 points and 17 assists (season-high). Harden has led the Rockets in assists in every game this season besides one. He also is the NBA’s leader in assists per game. Harden also contributed to nine of the Rockets 14 turnovers.