Memphis Grizzlies: Weekend Update
If the playoffs started today the Phoenix Suns, Orlando Magic, and Philadelphia 76ers would be in the playoffs, raise your hand if you had that after the first weekend of the regular season. I know it is just the first weekend, but the first weekend has showed us anything can happen each night. The Memphis Grizzlies came into this season with some high expectation after the best season in franchise history last year. However the first 3 games have not gone as planned, the first loss to San Antonio could be explained by a bad matchup with the Spurs (the win-loss record proves it). Yet the following 2 games showed some weaknesses that have been talked about since the offseason.
The Overtime Win
You better believe Randolph is a beast. Photo Credit: Mark Runyon, Basketball Schedule
The Grizzlies started slow scoring only 17 points in the first quarter, then came out with the a 30 point 2nd quarter to take a lead into halftime. Then the game went back and forth between both teams until the Grizzlies pulled away in overtime for their first win. Besides the slow start the starters played well, all of them shot over 50% and everyone by Prince scored in double digits. Zach Randolph played much better after only scoring 2 points against the Spurs, he had 16 points and 10 rebounds. Even the bench played good with all 5 of them scoring at least 5 points. However, the Grizzlies had 20 turnovers, and were out rebounded by 3, while giving up 15 offensive rebounds. With all that being said a win is a win, and it was good go get a win on the first home game of the year.
Back to Back Game in Dallas
After the Friday night win, the Grizz traveled to Dallas to play the Mavericks in their first back to back games of the season. Again like the Pistons game the starters came out of the gates slow scoring 16 first quarter points and allowing 32 points to the Mavericks. You might ask if the Grizzlies were tired with this being the first back to back, but Dallas was also play a back to back as they had lost on Friday night to the Rockets. Even though Memphis did come back and make the game a little closer, they just could not overcome the first quarter deficit. Unlike the Pistons game where the starting 5 all played well, Prince and Allen did not play well scoring a combined 3 points for the game. The bench did not fare any better with most of them shooting well below 50%. As a team they shot 42% and from behind the arc it was 19%. All in all it was a bad game the team leaving everyone with some questions about the offense and where the defense has gone to start off the year.
Slow Starts
The past 2 games Memphis as started slow averaging 16.5 points in the first quarter and have had to work hard to get back into the game. As many have said, including me they need to space the floor more in order to give Gasol and Randolph room to operate. However, the Grizzlies are starting both Allen and Prince, who both shoot below 40% from three. Yet Mike Miller and Quincy
Pondexter are much better 3 point shooters, giving the starting lineup some much needed shooting. If they started Pondexter instead of Prince, Tayshaun would also be able to help the bench with his playmaking ability. I am sure that Joerger is looking at some different options; we will see how it plays out over the next few games.
Next Three Games
The Grizzlies have a nice little 3 game home stand against Boston, New Orleans, and Golden State, all teams they should be able to beat at home. Yes, New Orleans and Golden State are much improved, but were picked to finish behind Memphis in the standings. Last year the Grizzlies rolled off 8 straight wins after their first loss, this 3 game home stand could help jump start the season.
[slider_pro id=”15″]