Memphis Grizzlies Regain Strength, Down Bucks 96-83

Mar 14, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) dribbles the ball between Milwaukee Bucks guard O.J. Mayo (00) and forward John Henson (31) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies saw a starting lineup at full strength when they took the floor on Saturday night–defeating the Milwaukee Bucks by a score of 96-83.

The Grizzlies were at a disadvantage when Mike Conley was announced as being out for tonight’s game against Milwaukee. That would later change. The Bucks had a late scratch of their own–their new starting point guard and last season’s NBA Rookie of the Year award winner, Michael Carter-Williams.

Carter-Williams was coming off of a 28-point, eight-rebound, and four-assist performance heading into tonight’s matchup in Memphis, so it was as big of a loss for Milwaukee as losing Mike Conley was for the Memphis Grizzlies. This was Conley’s second straight missed game (ankle injury).

Considering the injury report, the two teams were still in good shape–playing a pretty even game throughout the first quarter. That included five quick assists for the Bucks’ replacement point guard, rookie Tyler Ennis. Memphis’ Beno Udrih could not match Ennis’ assist production on this night, but he defeated the rookie in efficiency and scoring–exactly what the Grizz needed from Mr. Udrih.

Mar 14, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Tyler Ennis (11) drives against Memphis Grizzlies guard Beno Udrih (19) at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Milwaukee 96-83. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

As time would go by, the Grizzlies broke open a double-digit lead following a Jeff Green three-pointer. This was a sign of things to come, although Memphis was unable to blow this one open versus Milwaukee.

Marc Gasol would sustain a slight injury in the first quarter, but he was able to finish out the game and have a solid all-around performance. Big Spain is tough as nails and he battled through the mud as all of Grizz Nation knows him to do on a regular basis.

In the second quarter, the Grizzlies’ Vince Carter had a flashy drive–perhaps the highlight of the game–leading to two points for the home team. Carter has been playing very well since returning from injury and he is showing he will be a solid contributor come playoff time for the Grizzlies.

Memphis was able to hold off Milwaukee at the half, leading by eight at 49-41.

Earlier in the season, the Grizzlies were having tremendous third quarters. That is exactly what happened in tonight’s contest. The Grizz came hungry and committed to win. They pushed their lead to 17 by the end of the third period–the scoreboard reading 78-61.

Mar 14, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) steals the ball from Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Milwaukee 96-83. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

The Bucks have a very intriguing prospect on their squad–second-year player Giannis Antetokounmpo. He is nicknamed the “Greek Freak” for very apparent reasons. He is almost 7’0″ tall but can virtually play all five positions. Tonight, Memphis’ Tony Allen had duties of guarding him, although the Grindfather is–by far–shorter and not as lengthy as Antetokounmpo.

Allen did great on his perimeter defense tonight–finishing the game with a +14 rating and recording four steals. The Greek Freak was limited to 19 points, six rebounds, and two assists with two turnovers.

The Grizzlies also used solid games from their tough frontcourt duo–Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol–to solidify a victory. Courtney Lee finally made a big appearance on the stat sheet tonight–returning to his efficient form with 17 points on 6/10 shooting.

When Memphis’ lead reached 20 with four minutes remaining, the Grizz starters were pulled. Gasol took a seat with a solid all-around performance of 12/7/7. His work was done and Memphis earned another victory for their win column.

The final score wound up being Memphis 96, Milwaukee 83.

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

Key Game Notes

  • The game featured three former Memphis Grizzlies on the Bucks’ roster–O.J. Mayo (returned from injury), Jerryd Bayless (out due to injury), and Chris Johnson.
  • The Grizzlies record four more steals (10) than the Bucks (6).
  • Memphis assisted on six more made field goals (23) than Milwaukee (17).
  • The Milwaukee Bucks pull down just one more rebound than the Grizzlies with a 37-36 advantage on the boards.
  • The Grizzlies’ Nick Calathes led all players in the game with a +/- rating of +16.
  • The Bucks made just 18 of 27 free-throws (66.7%) while Memphis connected on 14 of their 16 attempts (87.5%).
  • These two teams were nearly polar opposites when it came to three-point shooting tonight–Milwaukee making just five of 19 (26.3%) and the Grizz hitting eight of 14 (57.1%).
  • Despite a large differential in three-point percentages, the two teams were somewhat similar in overall field goal percentage–41.7% for the Bucks and 47.4% for Memphis.
  • The Grizzlies won the battle of the benches, outscoring Milwaukee by a 23-14 advantage.
  • Milwaukee’s Tyler Ennis led all players in assists (11).
  • The Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo led all players in scoring (19).
  • Memphis had the top two rebounders for the contest–Marc Gasol and Kosta Koufos each pulling down eight.
  • Two technical fouls were called in the matchup–one on the Bucks’ John Henson and one to the Grizzlies’ Jeff Green.
  • The Grizzlies are now 46-20 on the season and sit in second place in the NBA’s Western Conference–1.5 games ahead of the Portland Trail Blazers.

Fantasy Watch: Grizzlies Edition

  • Marc Gasol: 12 points on 6/12 shooting, seven rebounds, seven assists, one steal, one block
  • Zach Randolph: 15 points on 4/10 shooting, six rebounds, four assists, two steals, one block, five turnovers
  • Tony Allen: Nine points on 4/12 shooting, three rebounds, one assist, four steals
  • Beno Udrih: 14 points on 6/10 shooting, three rebounds, two assists, one steal

Next Game

The Memphis Grizzlies step on the court again when they face the Denver Nuggets on Monday at home in Memphis, Tennessee.

Go Grizz!

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