The Streak is Over! Grizzlies down the Heat!

The Grizzlies defeated the Miami Heat, 103-95, ending their four game losing streak. They improved to 22-8 for the season. The Grizzlies started off the game on point. For 24 minutes their effort and execution both offensively and defensively were  pretty good. At the half the Grizzlies lead the Heat, 57-41. Grizzlies shot 61% from the field and 60% from the 3 point line. Mike Conley had 16 points, 5/6 from the field and 3/3 from the 3 point line.  Grizzlies had 24 points in the paint and 15 fast break points.

With 4:07 left in the 3rd quarter, the Heat cut the lead to 3. Offense for the Grizzlies cooled in the 3rd quarter. At one point, the Grizzlies were only shooting 20% in the quarter while the Heat were shooting 71%. The  Heat outscored the Grizzlies 14-2 in the paint and went on a 21-5 run to erase the Grizzlies 19 point deficit. The Heat won the quarter 28-15.

The Grizzlies barely survived the Heat’s 3rd quarter run with a 3 point lead going into the 4th quarter 72-69. Both teams traded baskets  in the 4th quarter. Memphis ultimately won the game by making key free throws late in the 4th.

Game Notes

1. Six Grizzlies were in double figures. Lead by Mike Conley with 24 points.

2. Marc Gasol recorded his 9th double double of the season with 22 points and 10 rebounds. He also had 2 blocks and 3 assists.

3. Tayshaun Prince lead the team in assists with 5. He also added 10 points.

4. Zach Randolph missed his 4th straight game due to knee soreness. Chris Bosh missed his 8th straight game with a strained calf.

5. Dwyane Wade lead all scorers with 25 points. He also chipped in 7 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks for the Heat.

6. Beno Udrih was the high scorer from the Grizzlies bench 11 points.

7. Tony Allen and Courtney Lee both scored 10 points respectively.

8. A wire to wire win for the Grizzlies. The Heat never lead or tied the game.

Thoughts

For the first time in a long time, the Grizzlies defended the 3 point line effectively. The Heat went 6-20 from the 3 point line while shooting 30%. The Grizzlies converted on 7 of their 16 three point shots while shooting 44%. The Grizzlies did better at rebounding this game. The were only out rebounded 33-32 which was pretty much even. Grizzlies was able to get to the free throw line more and converted on 28 of 37 free throw attempts. We haven’t seen this Grizzlies team since the San Antonio Spurs triple OT game. They fought hard to win this game. They didn’t want come back to Memphis with a loss. It would have crushed their confidence and the confidence of the city. A good win with effort for 48 minutes even though they didn’t play that great in the 3rd quarter. Now, they head back to Memphis to prepare for their last game of 2014 against the dreadful San Antonio Spurs at the Grindhouse on Tuesday. Grizzlies fans bring your heart medication, Pepto Bismol and defibrillators with you to the game because it will be a knock out drag out fight.