Memphis Grizzlies Lose Carter, Demolish Denver 99-69

Jan 29, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) handles the ball against Denver Nuggets forward Darrell Arthur (00) and Denver Nuggets forward Alonzo Gee (1) during the game at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies beat Denver Nuggets 99 -69. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Denver Nuggets in a blowout victory by a final score of 99-69, yet lost Vince Carter to a leg injury in the first half.

A Western Conference foe came to M-Town and the Grizzlies were ready for the challenge in every facet of the basketball game. Memphis has had a slight injury bug, but the bench has improved their play. Tonight was no different, with the Grizzlies’ bench contributing 39 points.

The 38-year-old Grizzly guard/forward Vince Carter injured his left leg/foot in the first half and left the game. He was unable to return and it the diagnosis is uncertain. He is scheduled to have an MRI tomorrow. Hopefully he will not have to miss much time, but if he does, the Grizzlies have enough depth to cope with it.

The Grizzlies led at halftime by 15 with a score of 50-35 showing on the scoreboard. Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, and Jeff Green were big factors in getting Memphis off to a fast start. It is great to see Green meshing with the Grizz so well already, with the bench and with the starters. Beno Udrih has also done an exceptional job at manning the point with starter Mike Conley receiving time to health injuries to his wrist and ankles.

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In what was not a close contest by any means, Memphis was able to manage playing time and rest the starters. Nick Calathes saw 25 minutes with Jordan Adams logged 12 solid minutes–producing well and increasing the lead once the primary Grizzlies checked out of the game. Although Memphis has the day off tomorrow before they play OKC on Saturday, this additional rest by playing less minutes tonight will be beneficial.

Mr. Double-Double, Zach Randolph, powered his Memphis squad to another big victory and another dominating performance–15 points and 17 rebounds. Ever since returning from a knee injury, Z-Bo has been unstoppable on both ends of the court. This all happened while the Grizzlies, as a team, stifled the Nuggets’ fast-paced offense and destroyed their box score. This is known as the Grit-‘N’-Grind Effect.

Denver was led in scoring by Kenneth Faried and Wilson Chandler with 10 points each. Faried added seven rebounds, too. Point guard Ty Lawson made just three of 11 shot attempts for nine points.

The final score had the Grizzlies winning by a 30-piece at 99-69–a very impressive performance.

Jan 29, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) shoots over Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) during the game at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

The box score, produced by ESPN, can be found here.

Key Game Notes

• Tyrus Thomas tonight: played in his second game as a Grizzly and scored his first points as a Grizzly.
• Mike Conley (injured) did not play against the Nuggets.
• Zach Randolph led the Grizzlies in minutes played tonight with only 30 minutes.
• No Denver player played over 26 total minutes.
• The Grizzlies committed just nine turnovers compared to the Nuggets’ 16.
• Memphis had six players score in double figures.
• Former Grizzly Darrell Arthur scored seven points on 3/7 shooting.
• The Grizzlies shot just 18 of 27 from the free-throw line.
• Denver shot 33.3% from the field, including 7.7% (two for 26) from beyond the arc.
• Memphis made just three of 16 three-pointers (18.8%).

Fantasy Watch: Grizzlies Edition

• Zach Randolph: 15 points, 17 rebounds, two assists, one steal in 30 minutes
• Marc Gasol: 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one steal, two blocks in 25 minutes
• Tony Allen: Eight points, nine rebounds, one steal in 21 minutes

Next Game

The Memphis Grizzlies hit the hardwood again on Saturday when they play the Oklahoma City Thunder at home in the Grindhouse in Memphis, Tennessee.

Go Grizz!