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Memphis Grizzlies defeat Portland 88-86, Marc Gasol can’t be stopped

By Jakob Eliason

Dec 8, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) shoots over Portland Trail Blazers forward Meyers Leonard (11) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) shoots over Portland Trail Blazers forward Meyers Leonard (11) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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In their second meeting this season, the Memphis Grizzlies (16-8) grazed by the Portland Trailblazers 88-86 to extend their winning streak to five games.

Yesterday, we published an article explaining how tough it would be for the Grizzlies to continue winning by such close margins.  And – like usual – they proved doubters wrong. A late defensive stand with a dash of Toney Douglas was just enough to escape with a two point victory. This tweet describes the Grizzlies season perfectly:

Related Story: Clutch City: There's reason for concern

Marc Gasol put the team on his back tonight. He led the way for Memphis with 36 points and 9 rebounds. Those points were a result of 46 percent shooting, and 4 for 6 from beyond the arc. Pretty impressive for a 7-footer, huh?

The late Grizzlies comeback can be attributed to two things.  Gritty defense and the ice in Toney Douglas’ veins.  Douglas took over in the final 90 seconds, netting a few buckets and two free throws with 0.5 seconds on the clock, sealing the game for the Grizz. Welcome to Clutch City, Toney!

Dec 8, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Toney Douglas (16) shoots free throws during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at FedExForum. The Grizzlies defeated the Trail Blazers 88-86. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Toney Douglas (16) shoots free throws during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at FedExForum. The Grizzlies defeated the Trail Blazers 88-86. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

Don’t let the last-second-win fool you, this game was unbelievably boring.  By boring, I mean the Grizzlies scored 14 total points in the fourth quarter, and it didn’t get much better from there.

C.J. McCollum and Damian Lillard controlled the Trailblazers (12-12) offense tonight, scoring 24 and 19, respectively. Portland struggled mightily tonight, shooting 30 percent from the field and 25 percent from downtown.

If you watched the game tonight, you may hear a whistle blowing in your dreams for weeks.  The officiating was tight, resulting in 51 TOTAL FOULS (so, maybe a little too tight?). The Trailblazers won the free-throw battle, shooting 72 percent on 40 attempts compared to Memphis’ 30 attempts for 66 percent.

Still Grindin’

The Memphis Grizzlies are now 12-0 in situations that are considered “clutch”.  Clutch, by NBA analytical definition, refers to a +/- 3 point margin within the final minute of the game. So far this season, 13 of Memphis’ 15 wins have been by six points or less, giving them a negative point differential on the year.

Another factor that will determine the Grizzlies as their injury-ridden streak continues is Marc Gasol.  In the six games since Mike Conley’s injury, the Spaniard is averaging 35 minutes every night.  With health already being a problem, seeing Gasol sit this weekend against the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers would not be unexpected.

What’s next?

The Memphis Grizzlies continue their home stand Saturday night (Dec. 10) against the Golden State Warriors. This will be the first time these two teams have met this year.  The FedEx Forum will be the loudest arena in the country as Memphis looks to shock the world against the Western Conference villains.

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