Grizzlies Continue to Struggle in Loss to Clippers
By Jerrod Smith
Despite their recent struggles, the Memphis Grizzlies continue to search for an answer as they lost their fourth straight game to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Not much has changed for the Grizzlies here as of late.
Since the return from the All-Star break, the Grizzlies just have a 2-5 record. That’s not ideal when your fighting for court advantage in the playoffs (which seems a long way away the way the Grizz have been playing lately).
Early in last night’s game the Grizzlies showed some flashes of their gritty defense. Later in the second half when shots just were not falling for the Grizzlies they seemed have let that affect their effort on defense.
At one point in the game, Mo Speights had a WIDE open three in the corner and four Grizzlies just stood there and looked at him in amazement. It was like one of those moments where your teacher calls on you to answer the question, but you know good and well you weren’t paying attention, so you look around for one of your boys to come through.
Stats on the Grizz
Mike Conley was on an absolute tear before this game.
That wasn’t the case at all in this one. The Grizz needed Conley to have a big game, but the ball just would not go in for him. He shot 3-for-14 from the field and 0-for-4 from three-point land, finishing the night with 13 points.
Marc Gasol showed some life tonight. He still seems out of sorts, but he looked better than he has.
Gasol concluded last night’s game with 20 points, five rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block.
Chandler Parsons sat out tonight’s game with left-knee soreness which gave James Ennis an opportunity to prove himself after being out of the rotation for an extended period of time.
Well, Ennis didn’t do anything to show that he’s worthy being in the rotation unfortunately. He picked up four early fouls and didn’t see much action after. He ended his night with just three points.
In Ennis’s defense, he has been out of the rotation, so he could’ve been rusty. However, he didn’t prove his case that he’s worthy of being in the rotation.
Ennis should see more opportunities to prove himself as David Fizdale continues to look for the line up that gives this team the best chance to win night in and night out.
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Troy Daniels ended his night with 13 points. Andrew Harrison lead the team in +/- with a +5 rating (only positive +/- for the Grizzlies). He finished with seven points and four assists.
Last but not least, Zach Randolph ended last night’s game with another double-double, scoring 18 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.
The Other Guys
The Clippers had a great offensive night and were clicking on all cylinders shooting 50% from the field and 36.7% from beyond the arc with 11 three-pointers.
Chris Paul (ew), Blake Griffn (ew), J.J. Redick (he cool) and DeAndre Jordan (ew) combined for 53 points tonight.
Austin Rivers lead the Clippers tonight with 20 points (may a higher power bless the Grizzlies’ poor soul for this stat)… My, my, my.
Jamal Crawford, a candidate for Sixth Man of the Year once again, ended his night with 14 points.
At half the Clippers lead by nine points. But later in the third quarter they took complete control over this game. By the end of the third, they led 85-65.
After last night’s win, they’re now three games in front of the Grizzlies in the playoff race.
The Clippers will face off against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday afternoon in their next match up.
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What’s next for the Grizzlies?
The Grizzlies continue their four-game home stretch and look to bounce back against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night.