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Memphis Grizzlies Win Thriller 102-100 on Gasol’s Heroics

By Christian Dudley

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Mar 4, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) is congratulated by guard Courtney Lee (5) after scoring a basket during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. The Grizzlies defeated the Rockets 102-100. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies got back on track tonight by winning a thriller against a familiar foe–the Houston Rockets–by a final score of 102-100.

It was a battle between the second- and third-best teams in the Western Conference–Memphis and Houston, respectively.

Entering tonight’s game, the Memphis Grizzlies had dropped three of their last four games. The energy and motivation has not been there. Yes, they have been without a few key players, but they have looked more differently than they should–regardless of the circumstances. Memphis came with their defensive intensity tonight and they needed every bit of it. The grit-‘n’-grind took control.

Mar 4, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) passes the ball during the fourth quarter as Houston Rockets forward Terrence Jones (6) defends at Toyota Center. The Grizzlies defeated the Rockets 102-100. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

In the first half of the game against the Houston Rockets, the Grizzlies came out slow.

Donatas Montiejunas threw off Zach Randolph with his ability to stretch the floor and had 10 quick points to lead all scorers after the first 12 minutes.

By the second quarter, the reserves brought the Grizz back into the game and provided some much-needed momentum. Nick Calathes brought his defensive tenacity and he was playing big-time basketball.

Memphis held the Rockets’ James Harden to just nine points in the first half. Memphis trailed by five at halftime by a score of 54-59 after Josh Smith nailed a buzzer-beating three-pointer for Houston.

To begin the third quarter, it was Marc Gasol’s time to shine. When Gasol is on, it is hard to stop the Memphis train. Big Spain tied the game at 65 and after a Houston timeout, he made another basket to give the Grizzlies a 67-65 lead.

The Grizzlies’ bigs, Z-Bo and Big Spain, took over the game. The soul brothers were not stopped. Z-Bo was chipping in his portion of the scoring, too. Both frontcourt stars were dishing, too–having six assists each tonight. Through three full quarters, Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph were carrying their team while Memphis’ backcourt was containing James Harden.

Mar 4, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jeff Green (32) controls the ball during the second quarter as Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) defends at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

On the Rocket’s final possession, James Harden did not draw a foul call–surprisingly–yet he probably deserved to earn one as Zach Randolph made contact. Memphis got the ball and called timeout. With five seconds remaining, the Grizzlies were in an all-too familiar situation. Game on the line. Where do they turn with the game tied at 100-all?

Big Spain. Marc Gasol. On a shaky final play, the Grizzlies’ All-Star center nailed the clutch shot attempt! 0.1 seconds remained on the clock and the Grizzlies would go on to win this one by a final score of 102-100.

You can view Marc Gasol’s huge game-winning shot HERE and the box score, produced by ESPN, can be found here.

Key Game Notes

  • Houston’s Montiejunas led all scorers with 10 points after the first quarter, but was held scoreless for the rest of the game.
  • Grizzlies rookie Jordan Adams saw no playing time tonight after scoring 13 points on 6/8 shooting last night against Utah.
  • There were very few mistakes made by both teams tonight–Memphis registering just nine turnovers and Houston having only 12.
  • In a game in which both teams played nearly identical on paper, the Grizzlies edged out the Rockets by turning the ball over three times less, blocking two more shots, recording four more steals, dishing out three more assists, and shooting slightly better from the field (50.6% compared to 48.8%).
  • Houston attempted–and made–just five free-throws, while the Grizzlies went 14-17 from the line.
  • The Rockets’ Harden led all players with 16 shot attempts, but led all players in assists (13).
  • Nick Calathes was tonight’s X-factor for the Grizzlies as he had a +/- rating of +13 during his 16:13 minutes of play.
  • Houston’s Terrence Jones was very efficient–shooting 10/14 from the field–while leading the Rockets in scoring (21 points).
  • Houston controlled the boards narrowly–a 40-38 advantage over Memphis.

Fantasy Watch: Grizzlies Edition

  • Marc Gasol: 21 points on 10/14 shooting, seven rebounds, six assists, three steals, one block
  • Zach Randolph: 15 points on 7/12 shooting, eight rebounds, six assists, three steals, one block
  • Mike Conley: 17 points on 6/9 shooting, six assists, three turnovers
  • Tony Allen: 12 points on 6/9 shooting, eight rebounds,
  • Nick Calathes: Seven points on 2/6 shooting, five rebounds, two assists, four steals

Next Game

The Memphis Grizzlies will be at it again on Friday when they take on the Los Angels Lakers at home in Memphis, Tennessee. Beale Street Bears will have your preview for that meeting, so stay tuned!

Go Grizz!

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