Grizzlies Bear Down on the Rockets
Grizzlies – 102 @ Houston – 93
In their second game in as many nights, the Grizzlies are in Houston to face the Rockets. While Zach Randolph has been sidelined with his knee injury, Coach Joerger has had to tweek his starting line up. Tonight the Grizzlies starting five is Conley, Gasol, Jeff Green, Tony Allen, and Matt Barnes. This line up allows them to run the floor faster and keep up with younger teams.
Courtney Lee emerged from his recent slump to score 17 points off the bench. With Courtney Lee’s declining numbers, Matt Barnes increasing numbers, and Zach Randolph’s injury, the line up adjustments have landed Matt Barnes on the starting line up. Matt Barnes almost recorded a double-double with 13 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and a steal. Jeff Green has been the player that we all love to hate just to love again. Green led the team in scoring against the Rockets with 20 points, seven rebounds, one steal, and one assist. After a performance like that, we love him again. For the second straight game Tony Allen scored in double figures, tonight he scored 10. Allen also snagged five rebounds, swiped two steals, blocked a shot , and dished for one assist, all in 28 minutes. I’d personally love to see Tony’s defensive rebounds and steals increase, but I’ve digressed. Mike Conley racked up 19 points and five assists. Gasol only chipped in 11 points hut he did grab 7 rebounds.
James Harden’s 40 point performance was not enough for the struggling Rockets to stop their current three game skid. The Grizzlies outscored the Rockets in the paint (44-34 and in fast break points (20-19). Even though the Grizz scored 21 points off of 20 forced turnovers, we definitely need to keep our turnover at less than 17, that resulted in 20 Rockets points.
The Memphis Grizzlies improve to 2-0 against the Rockets this season. The teams will face each other two more times this season. The Grizzlies get one day to recover prepare before the Atlanta Hawks visit The GrindHouse Friday night. College Students with a valid student ID can take advantage of the Bear Bust, $15 Terrce Level Tickets. Bass Pro Shops at The Pyramid presents the Naughty and Nice 7 game Holiday Packs.
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