Shy’s Perspective: Kings outshine Grizz

Posted on December 17, 2016 by Sharon Brown

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Quick notes on Grizzlies 96-92 loss to the Kings

The Kings wanted this game more. It’s one of those games where the Grizzlies had their chances but the Kings didn’t fold and wouldn’t quit. Kings center Kosta Koufos said, “We just grinded it out. They are an experienced team. They are going to fight the whole game, all 48 minutes.”

Yes, that’s what the Kings did. They had that grind to close out the team who is known to have that grind, especially in clutch situations. The Grizzlies are now 12-1 in super clutch situations; the hustle plays of the Kings prevented them from going 13-0. The Grizzlies were capable of winning the game but weren’t able to capitalize and get the W. This was a game the Grizz flat-out were out-hustled and out-played.

Stats of the Game

Field Goal Percentage: Kings 38.8 percent (31/80), Grizzlies 37.7 percent (29/77)

Rebounds: Kings 45 (13 OREB), Grizzlies 47 (13 OREB)

Bench Points: Kings 22, Grizzlies 40

Points in the Paint: Kings 36, Grizzlies 36

Three Point Field Goals: Kings 29.2 percent (7/24), Grizzlies 20.0 percent (5/25)

Second Chance Points: Kings 13, Grizzlies 15

Fastbreak Points: Kings 20, Grizzlies 9

Assists: Kings 18, Grizzlies 19

Steals: Kings 5 Grizzlies 7

Player Notes

Grizzlies had five players in double figures:

Marc Gasol didn’t have a great shooting night but he led the Grizzlies with 20 points (6-of-18), six rebounds, four assists and two blocks.

Tony Allen continues to improve on the offensive end. Allen ended with 16 points, nine rebounds and two steals.

Troy Daniels ended with 13 points. Daniels was 4-of-9 from the three point line.

Andrew Harrison fouled out his second consecutive game. Harrison kept the Grizzlies in the game before he fouled out. Harrison attacked the basket and drew foul calls to go to the line. He was 6-of-8 from the free throw line and finished the game with 11 points and two blocks.

Zach Randolph tallied 10 points, nine rebounds and a season high five assists.

Kings had four players in double figures

Demarcus Cousins scored a game high 22 points along with nine rebounds.

Garrett Temple chipped in 17 points, six rebounds, four assits and two steals.

Kosta Koufos has the best shooting performance of the night. Koufos posted his first double-double of the season with 16 points and a game high 13 rebounds. He was a thorn in the Grizzlies’ side most of the night.

Koufos shot chart

Darren Collison finished with 11 points and six assists.

What They Said!!!

Coach Fizz

On losing their first “super-clutch” game of the season:

Well, in the other games when we’re down we are actually competing throughout the game, tonight they absolutely outcompeted us all night. They beat us to every single loose ball. They outhustled us. They wanted the game more quite honestly. We played with fire just enough against the team and it worked out for Sacramento.”

On the defensive performance:

“We were all over the place. Not competing on the ball, many times where we were just looking for the screen like we don’t want to get hit, whatever it may be. We weren’t executing our pick-and-roll coverage to a high level either.”

On getting the team rhythm back with key players returning:

“You’ve just got to get back to it. I don’t know if there’s a formula to that, you know what I mean. It’s just like the bottom line is I’ve got to get back to the guys that are going to be playing the bulk of the minutes. However many minutes they can give me, that’s how I’m working them into the game and, again, we can talk about a whole lot tonight. Pick-and-roll defense, minutes, injuries, has zero to do with when the ball is up for grabs 50-50 and they keep coming up with it.”