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Grizzlies Fall Short to Pelicans as Cousin Dominates

By Jerrod Smith

Mar 21, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward DeMarcus Cousins (0) celebrates after scoring and drawing foul during the fourth quarter of a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Grizzlies 95-82. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward DeMarcus Cousins (0) celebrates after scoring and drawing foul during the fourth quarter of a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Grizzlies 95-82. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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DeMarcus Cousins and the New Orleans were just too much for the Grizzlies to handle last night on the beginning of a four game road trip

It seemed like the Grizzlies had this game locked up in the first half. They held the Pelicans to 34 points on 29 percent shooting and were up by 7.

Despite a lack of offense, the Grizzlies’ defense made up for it. They would came out and were feisty on defense, hoping to find an answer on the other side of the ball.

Well, the third quarter was a disaster for the Grizzlies as DeMarcus Cousins took over the game.

In addition to Cousins absolutely dominating, the Grizzlies offense was stagnant. They were outscored 32-13 in the third quarter.

The Grizzlies made a push in the fourth quarter when James Ennis hit a crucial three-pointer to cut the lead down to four. But, nobody could stop Cousins last night. Nobody.

Cousins had a monster night with 41 points and 17 rebounds. Anthony Davis also added 19 points and 13 rebounds.

Note: Why did you have to trade Boogie to our division, Sacramento?

The monster duo of Davis and Cousins is legit.

The Good Guys

The Pelicans have given the Grizzlies problems this year. The first three games went into overtime, and tonight was the “DeMarcus Cousins Show.”

Mike Conley, once again, led the Grizzlies in scoring tonight with 16 points. Marc Gasol only scored 10.

For the rest of the starters, Vince Carter and Wayne Selden scored for only four points a piece, and JaMychal Green finished with 12 points.

With the addition of Boogie on the Pelicans, the Grizzlies needed their big men to play well last night, and that wasn’t the case.

ZBo (four points on 2-for-11 shooting) possibly had his worst game of the year, and Gasol just seemed disconnected the whole game.

Davis and Cousins are arguably the two most athletic big men in the game. With Gasol and Randolph both having off nights, the Grizzlies needed JaMychal Green on the floor to bring some athleticism to the game and to produce. However, foul trouble prevented that from happening.

Quick Hitters

  • Marc Gasol just seemed disconnected, not bringing enough energy to the table on both sides of the court.
  • Conley had a decent game last night, but he and the Grizzlies need contributions from their All-Star center.
  • Z-Bo didn’t have a great game either which hurts. An off night from ZBo usually translates to a loss.

Also, there shouldn’t be any reason to worry.

Although, the Grizzlies need to realize that they’re in a playoff race. It’s time to bring it every game. Games like last night are must-wins. Point blank.

The energy wasn’t there last night at all.

Next: Best/Worst Case Playoff Scenarios

Yes, the Grizzlies have proven that they could beat anybody in this league. However, catching the five seed and playing the Utah Jazz is a much better scenario than facing the Houston Rockets or San Antonio Spurs the first round of the playoffs.

These next two games for the Grizzlies is not a walk in the park. They visit the Spurs on Thursday and the Golden State Warriors Sunday. The squad need to steal one of these games.

Hopefully they could bounce back. Until then, Go Grizz.

#WeEnnis

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