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Grizzlies top Nuggets, build win streak to three

By Jerrod Smith

Jan 21, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) controls the ball against Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) in the first quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Grizzlies defeated the Nuggets 102-101. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) controls the ball against Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) in the first quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Grizzlies defeated the Nuggets 102-101. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Wednesday night, the Memphis Grizzlies routed the Denver Nuggets 119-99 for a third straight victory.

The Grizzlies came out of the gates rolling.

At the end of the first half, the Grizzlies were shooting 55-percent from the field. Their three-point shooting continues to be phenomenal. They ended the first half shooting a sizzling 54-percent from beyond the arc.

Memphis finished the night 47% from the three-point line with 14 made attempts, continuing to shatter the franchise record for games with at least 10 or more 3-pointers made.

Here’s a mind blowing stat: this is the fifth straight game the Grizzlies have scored over 100 points.

Editors note: Denver’s

Jameer Nelson set a world record (maybe, probably?) for getting ejected within the first five minutes of a basketball game.

The return of the Grind

On the defensive side of the ball the Grizzlies also seem to have found their niche again. Memphis held one of the best offensive teams in the NBA – yes, the Nuggets – to less than 100 points.

They forced Denver into 17 turnovers and held them to just 40-percent shooting from the field.

Memphis Grizzlies, finally healthy?

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Mike Conley looks fully recovered from his back injury in late November. After finishing off a career high 38-points in Phoenix Monday night, Conley finished tonight’s game with 18 points, five assists, and four rebounds.

Brandan Wright logged minutes tonight and got on the board with an impressive slam-dunk toward the end of the game. Look for more of that from Wright the rest of this season now that he’s healthy.

Old guys, new records

Tonight, Zach Randolph passed Michael Finley to move up to 83rd on the list for all-time career points. Vince Carter became the 5th player in NBA history to make 2,000 career 3-point field goals.

Legends.

Related Story: Vince Carter, Hall of Fame lock

Finding success on the road?

After tonights win, Memphis secured the first .500 or better record on a five-or-more-game road trip this season. Worst case scenario, they finish the stretch with a 3-3 record.

Cool stat: this is the third time in franchise history the Grizzlies have won two straight games on the road by at least 19 points or more. The most recent was in November 2005.

Another plus from tonight is that only one player played more than 30 minutes, and that was Tony Allen. He played 30 exactly.

Less minutes allows Mike Conley, Marc Gasol, and company to be fully rested for Friday night’s match-up with the Oklahoma City Thunder as they continue to battle for seeding in the Western Conference.

What’s next?

The Grizzlies will finish off their road-trip this weekend with two games in two nights. Friday, Memphis touches down in Oklahoma City for the much-anticipated rematch against Russell Westbrook and his streaky Thunder squad. The trip ends Saturday night, with a match up between Marc Gasol and Karl Anthony Towns.

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