Memphis Grizzlies: Jeff Green Makes His Debut
The new-look, Memphis Grizzlies took the floor for the first time on Wednesday night. With Jeff Green in tow, they traveled to the hipster mecca that is Brooklyn, to take on the Nets.
The game marked the recently acquired Green’s first appearance as a Grizzly, and begins the learning process that comes along with joining a new team. Sometimes, a midseason acquisition can assimilate quickly and make the team better for it, but other times it can seem to torpedo any momentum that the team had to begin with. Take Evan Turner in Indiana last season for example.
Green is expected to add more scoring and versatility to Memphis, which is something they have lacked off the bench. That being said, here are a few thoughts from last night’s game, Jeff Green related and otherwise. Including a sad look at an old friend.
Jeff Green’s Debut
Jeff Green did not start, like some have been speculating he might. There is always a chance he could start in the future, but for now it looks like Memphis will bring him off the bench. With Boston this season, he had been having mediocre season, averaging 17.6 points per game while shooting 43.4 percent from the field and 30.5 percent from outside.
Despite the inefficient shooting this season for Green, this is a definite upgrade for Memphis. He still has a versatile skill-set and is shooting 40 percent on corner threes. Placed on a team where he can become a role player rather than the primary scoring option should help his game tremendously.
Green checked into the game for the first time with around five minutes remaining in the first quarter. A little less than two minutes later he attempted his first shot, which was a missed mid-range jumper off of a Marc Gasol dribble handoff. After another early miss, he looked a bit tentative for the remainder of the quarter. That’s to be expected.
He still has to get used to his teammates and their tendencies on the court.
Green would play 26 minutes, shooting 3-of-11 from the field for 10 points. He also grabbed three rebounds and dished out two assists. He struggled from outside, going 0-of-4, but he was aggressive in the paint. Green made all four of his free throw attempts, and was at his best when driving to the basket rather than shooting jumpers.
It was certainly not a spectacular first impression, but he still showed flashes of what makes many people think he will be a great fit for the Grizzlies.
Poor Lionel Hollins
The head coach for those Brooklyn Nets just happens to be former Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins. Hollins had a fantastic run for the Grizzlies, including leading them to the 2013 Western Conference Finals. Squabbles with management and a difference in philosophy led to Hollins and the team parting ways after the 2012-13 season.
After leaving, Hollins spent 2013-14 out of coaching before being hired on as Jason Kidd’s replacement in Brooklyn. So far, his tenure with the Nets has been less than spectacular. They currently stand as the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, but at 16-22 that’s not exactly impressive.
He inherited a roster filled with aging former stars, misfit role players, and a talented center that cannot stay healthy. Oh, and his owner reportedly wants to sell the team. I’d be willing to bet he won’t be making a trip to the Conference Finals with this collection of players.
Recently he even lamented that his team’s identity is not making shots. Good times indeed. Hang in there, Lionel!
Grizzlies Pull Away in the Second Half
What’s that old saying? Basketball is a game of runs. That was definitely the case at the Barclays Center last night, especially early. A nine-point first quarter Grizzlies lead evaporated quickly, and then turned into a 43-40 Nets lead after a Darius Morris jumper. Memphis would close the half on a 7-0 run to regain control of the game, leading 51-45 at halftime.
In the second half, everything came up Grizzlies. Their lead would reach as many as 19 points, but Memphis would settle for a 103-92 win. They shot 47 percent from the field, but only 3 of 17 from outside. All of their three three-pointers came from Courtney Lee, who notched 18 points and three assists.
Zach Randolph led the Grizzlies in scoring with a 20-point and 14 rebound effort, and Marc Gasol added 18 points and eight rebounds while Tony Allen scored 13 points on 6-of-9 shooting. It was a well balanced team victory, which is what we have come to expect from this team.
The win moves Memphis to 27-11 on the season. The Grizzlies return to action Friday, on the road against the Orlando Magic.