Grizzlies Beat Knicks 103-95
Thanks to a huge fourth quarter, and 37 points from Marc Gasol, the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the New York Knicks by a final score of 103-95.
Our preview for this game posited that Marc Gasol was overdue for a major scoring outburst, and Gasol delivered. Big Spain attacked the basket aggressively, and attempted an uncharacteristically high 29 shots from the field. Considering Gasol’s offensive abilities and that he can hit over 50 percent of such a large volume of field goal attempts, his assertiveness in looking for shots bodes well for the Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies sported their ABA-style Memphis Sounds uniforms, and this was easily one of the more fun games of the season as the Knicks and Grizz both played well and kept the score tight for the first three quarters. Then in the fourth quarter, the Grizzlies set out on a mission to destroy anything that stood between them and winning. After an amazing run during the game’s fourth and final stanza, the Memphis advantage ballooned to a 15-point cushion and it seemed the Grizzlies had built an insurmountable lead, and, finally, would run away with a lopsided victory.
No such luck. While Memphis dominated most of the fourth quarter, the sans-Carmelo Anthony Knicks made one last push and a familiar feeling of anxiety and disbelief began to creep into FedExForum. Despite the late rally from New York, the Grizzlies made enough free-throws and took care of the ball well enough down the stretch to secure a second straight win.
While Gasol stood out as the star of the game with his 37 points (one shy of his season and career high point total), eight rebounds, and three blocks, he had plenty of help from the other guys in bright red throwback jerseys, most notably Jeff Green.
Only a few days after Dave Joerger’s widely publicized decision to bench Jeff Green for an entire half, and only a few short days after many (including this writer) recommended trading Green to improve the team, Green came off the bench and played 30-plus minutes of valuable and highly entertaining basketball. Props to Green for rising to the occasion with 18 points on 50 percent (7-of-14) shooting.
More from Beale Street Bears
- Dillon Brooks speaks out after beating former Grizzlies teammate in World Cup
- Jaren Jackson Jr. puts ex-Grizzlies teammate on notice
- 3 players Grizzlies would consider trading Ja Morant for
- Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. put on blast following FIBA elimination
- Ex-Grizzlies guard signs with title favorite, joins forces with 6-time All-Star
Zach Randolph imposed his will and fortified the Memphis effort with 14 points and six rebounds, and Tony Allen added 7 points and nine rebounds.
Mario Chalmers got the start once again in place of the injured Mike Conley, and Chalmers gave the Grizzlies sound point guard play on his way to 12 points and eight assists. Since ‘Rio was only called on for 28-plus minutes rather than another whopping 40 minutes, Coach Joerger allowed Elliot Williams to play 20 meaningful minutes at backup point guard. Williams, nearing the end of his 10-day contract, played well and notched a couple of assists (compared to zero turnovers) and scored four points, including a fourth quarter step-back three pointer that brought the crowd to its feet.
This game was bereft of any further Matt Barnes–Derek Fisher drama, as Barnes helped his teammates get involved while earning five assists, nine rebounds, and played an overall decent game belied by his low scoring output of two points.
Who Got Next?
The Grizzlies face the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday, January 18th for their annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day game. Stay tuned to Beale Street Bears for more.