Beale Street Bears
Fansided

Memphis Grizzlies Unravel without Allen, Fall to WAS 92-83

By Christian Dudley

facebooktwitterreddit

Apr 4, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) drives around Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) in the second half at FedExForum. Washington defeated Memphis 92-83. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies saw a break in their momentum as they dropped tonight’s home game to the Washington Wizards by a final score of 92-83.

This was yet another game that could not be won when the Memphis Grizzlies were without Tony Allen. With TA, perhaps they could have earned a victory with his tenacious defensive presence on the floor.

Since the Grindfather was unavailable, the Washington Wizards’ John Wall–whom is nearly a lock for a 20-10 points-asissts performance every time he steps on the court–got going early. His fingerprints wound up being all over the game on Saturday night–finishing with 18 points, 14 assists, and six rebounds despite turning the ball over five times.

Apr 4, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies cetner Marc Gasol (33) shoots over Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (4) in the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Neither team was able to run away with the game at any point. The Grizzlies, after defeating the OKC Thunder on the previous evening, needed a victory to continue their momentum as they prepare for the postseason. Likewise, the Wizards are continually attempting to fine-tune their squad despite a few players sitting out due to rest and healing current injuries.

The Wizards did compile an 11-point lead after the first 12 minutes of play, but Memphis would not allow it to get anymore out of hand. Although Washington’s halftime lead would remain at the same point differential, 11, Memphis used their grit and grind to battle back. Marc Gasol and Jeff Green of the Grizzlies enabled the team to stay tight with the Wizards throughout the game.

Jeff Green even had this monster poster dunk, which could possibly be the NBA’s Dunk of the Year. What do you think, Grizz Nation?!

Aside from this bright spot, the Grizzlies could not contain Bradley Beal as he finished with 20 points on the night. John Wall kept finding ways to put points on the board–either through himself or by way of finding his teammates. Memphis’ Allen was severely missed.

Apr 4, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jeff Green (32) is boxed in by Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter (22) and guard John Wall (2) during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Memphis began the fourth quarter down 12 points at 71-59, but crawled within seven points in the fourth quarter. Then three. But they could never secure the lead. Although Washington has been struggling since the NBA All-Star break, they are back on the rise. Tonight it showed. Even without two key players of theirs, Pierce and Nene, they still dismantled the Memphis Grizzlies. Albeit Memphis was without their leading defenseman. Having Tony Allen could have made all the difference on this night.

When the final buzzer sounded in Memphis, the scoreboard read 92-83 in favor of the Grizzlies.

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

Key Game Notes

  • The Memphis Grizzlies recorded a season-low two steals tonight.
  • The Wizards’ Paul Pierce and Nene were questionable to play tonight and neither managed to suit up.
  • Memphis shot 42% from the field compared to Washington’s 48.1% field goal shooting.
  • The Memphis Grizzlies recorded three blocks while the Wiz Kids surprisingly had 0 swats.
  • The two teams managed to record the same amount of turnovers–15 for each.
  • John Wall of Washington notched a double-double, as did the Grizzlies’ Marc Gasol.
  • Memphis made a terrible 6.7% from beyond the arc (1/15), while Washington made eight of 22 (36.4%).
  • The Memphis Grizzlies won the rebounding battle–but just barely (41 to 40 overall).
  • The Wizards earned a big advantage with steals–9 to 2–over Memphis.
  • Washington also narrowly won the assists category–24 to 23.

Fantasy Watch: Grizzlies Edition

  • Zach Randolph: Six points on 3/5 shooting, 10 rebounds, three turnovers
  • Marc Gasol: 18 points on 7/13 shooting, 11 rebounds, two assists
  • Mike Conley: 14 points on 4/15 shooting, 8 assists, one block, two turnovers

Next Game

The Memphis Grizzlies will have several days of rest until their next game when they take on Anthony Davis, Quincy Pondexter, and the New Orleans Pelicans inside the Grindhouse.

Go Grizz!

More from Beale Street Bears

Home/Grizzlies News