One down, one to go: Grizzlies vs Nets recap/Grizzlies vs Thunder preview
It was an emotional night in the Bluff City, one that saw the return of former Memphis Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins, as well as seeing Marc Gasol receive his All-Star jersey. The former was honored with a video tribute commemorating his time here in Memphis, and a standing ovation from fans and players alike.
After taking a moment to pay tribute to the man that played no small part in shaping the identity of this team, what commenced next was a beat down of epic proportions.
Starting out strong in the first quarter, the Grizzlies eased into a lead and then proceeded to beat the Nets over the head with it, with both their offense and defense firing on all cylinders. Memphis was able to frustrate the Brooklyn starters from early on, in forcing contested shots that rarely fell, and by stealing the ball a total of 5 times in the period. Marc Gasol scored 8 of his 14 points for the night in the first quarter, and the Grizzlies outscored the Nets 32-15.
The second quarter did not flow as smoothly as the first, and the Nets were able to get a little traction going on the offensive end. In the 2nd quarter, the Nets outscored the Grizzlies 25-20, but it would do little to close the gap between the two, with Memphis up by 12 at the half.
Once again the Grizzlies struggled from beyond the arc in the first half, with the lone 3 point make coming from Tony Allen. TA was a difference maker on both ends of the floor, shooting an impressive 5-5 for the night, including the aforementioned 3 point shot, along with 2 steals and 4 assists.
In the second half of the game, the Grizzlies had much greater success from long range. Courtney Lee was an offensive beast in the 3rd quarter, and in rapid succession hit a shot from 3, then a layup with an and one opportunity, which he successfully converted, and then stole the ball back from Brooklyn for another layup. All of those things happened in the space of about 30 seconds. Lee finished the night with 15 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals, and the second high scorer for the Grizzlies, behind Zach Randolph’s 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals.
The Grizzlies played with confidence and authority throughout the entire game, and easily came away with the win.
Final score: Memphis 95, Brooklyn 86
No rest for the weary.
Courtesy of Jennifer Conroy
Tonight the Grizzlies are in Oklahoma City to take on the Thunder yet again.
This is the last game for both teams before the All-Star break, and both games come into the night on a two game win streak. However the Grizzlies will be on the second night of a back to back schedule, facing a rested Thunder team.
Kevin Durant has been having himself a good time as of late, averaging 32 points per game in the month of February. Having missed a number of games due to injury, one can imagine that the reigning MVP is feeling the pressure to help keep his team in contention for a playoff spot, and to his credit he is giving it his all.
One thing that will be key to the success of the Grizzlies tonight is Tony Allen’s ability to shut down Durant. Historically, this has not been a problem for the Grindfather, and hopefully tonight will be no exception. I look forward to watching TA show the world why he is First Team.
There will be a notable absence from the Thunder lineup tonight, as center Steven Adams is sidelined with a broken hand. Mitch McGary, or perhaps even Kendrick Perkins will need to step up in his absence.
Zach Randolph has been in beast mode since returning from a knee injury, and I would love to see him unleash that beast again tonight against the Thunder.
The Grizzlies have been playing amazingly well as of late, except that one game in Minnesota I am still trying to forget ever happened. Even so, tonight is by no means a sure thing, and the Grizzlies will need to play hard from wire to wire if they want to come away with the win.
This is a Thunder team that is desperately trying to keep itself relevant, and would love to be able to return the favor of the beating they received at the hands of the Grizzlies in Memphis just a few short weeks ago.
The game starts at 7 PM, and local fans can tune in on Fox Sports South.
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
