As Gasol Goes: Memphis Grizzlies Week in Review and Three Takeaways

 We’ve got everything you need to know about the past week of Memphis Grizzlies basketball including game recaps, analysis, highlights, team news, and more.

The Grizzlies went 2-1 in three games last week. The team got off to rough start with a bad loss to the Houston Rockets, then fared much better against the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks. Marc Gasol set a new career record for field goals made in a game, Jeff Green got benched and then bounced back, Mario Chalmers hit an incredible game winning shot, and Matt Barnes got the last laugh.

 It’s Monday morning again, so without further ado, here’s the latest edition of the Memphis Grizzlies Week in Review.

January 12th: Grizzlies vs Houston Rockets

The Grizzlies competed for most of the game but were ultimately deluged by a torrent of three-pointers as the Rockets won 107-91.We have more on the game in our recap, and you can view the game’s box score here.

The big story from this game came from Coach Jeorger’s decision to bench Jeff Green for the entire second half. The coaching move illuminated some ongoing issues rooted in Green’s impact on team dynamics, and prompted further speculation about the franchise’s future plans for Green and his expiring contract.

January 14th: Grizzlies vs Detroit Pistons

To the chagrin of Detroit fans, the Grizzlies dealt the Pistons a heartbreaking loss for the second time this season, winning  103-101 on a last second shot.

Matt Barnes connected on six shots from long range, and Mario Chalmers propelled the Grizzlies to victory with a game-high 25 points and an unbelievable game-winner in a frenzied finish:

It was joyous night and a cause for celebration:

January 16th: Grizzlies/Sounds vs New York PorzingKnicks

Marc Gasol had a colossal game and dropped 37 points to help the Grizzlies top the Knicks. Saturday night’s 103-95 Grizzlies victory was the best win of the week for the basketball bears. After all that has been made and said of the offseason incident involving Derek Fisher and Matt Barnes, Barnes kept it professional and took care of business against Coach Fisher’s Knicks. You can read more about the game in our full recap and you can view highlights of the Gasol takeover below: 

Jeff Green bounced back and bolstered the Grizzlies’ win with a terrific 18-point performance off the bench. Green also slammed home an alley-oop lop from Gasol for the best jam of the night:

There was no shortage of big plays for the Grizz in this game. Not to be outdone by the weekend’s NFL playoff action, here’s Chalmers heaving a perfect Hail Mary pass to Tony Allen on the break

Who Got Next?

To begin the new week, the Grizzlies will take on the New Orleans Pelicans for today’s annual Martin Luther King Day game at FedExForum.

Traditionally, MLK Day is reserved for a day of service to honor the invaluable Civil Rights works and legacy of Dr. King, and as a basketball game only takes up part of a day, those in the Memphis area may want to check in with your go-to sources for local events to find out how to  get involved in your community.

If you are going downtown for the game this afternoon, you may want to head down early and take an opportunity to visit the National Civil Rights Museum and participate in the many celebration activities going on before the game.

Three Takeaways

1. Marc Gasol knows he is capable of dominating a game like a legitimate superstar

It may not be the humble center’s preferred style of play, but Gasol proved that he can take responsibility for the preponderance of the Grizzlies’ offense and have that translate into winning basketball. This doesn’t mean that Gasol will start attempting 30 shots every game or that he should attempt 30 shots every game, but it does indicate that Gasol can be an effective and efficient bulk shooter capable of powering the Memphis offense. When speaking to the media after the Knicks game, Grizzly players echoed a familiar sentiment that still rings true, that as Gasol goes so go the Memphis Grizzlies. As Marc becomes more assertive on offense, the Grizzlies become more of a threat to make waves in the playoffs.

2. The Grizzlies are a better team because of the Mario Chalmers trade

After watching Nick Calathes come and go,  Russ Smith come and go, and Beno Udrih leave in the trade that brought Chalmers to the Grizzlies, the Grizzlies have better depth at point guard than they have had in years. ‘Rio might be the most qualified point guard to ever back up Mike Conley. The Grizzlies will still need to land a third-string safety valve point guard before the playoffs, but they are in a good place with Conley and Chalmers sharing floor-general duties. Hopefully the Grizzlies will give another chance to a promising young player like Elliot Williams to remain the third option at point guard, but Keyon Dooling and Gilbert Arenas will both be available should the Grizzlies choose to go that peculiar route again.

3. The Grizzlies know how to finish close games

It seemed they had blown a sizable fourth quarter lead against the Pistons, and it appeared they might let the Knicks comeback after building another respectable fourth quarter lead, but the Grizzlies prevailed and found a way to hang on to victory against both of those quality opponents. Speaking of Memphis getting it done in crunch time…

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

And One:

If you’ve followed the Grizzlies over the past few seasons, you’ve probably noticed that the in-the-mud grinding style of the Grizzlies has made them something of a statistical anomaly that defies any sort of conventional wisdom regarding team point-differentials, but you may not realize what the numbers indicate about the Grizzlies’ success in the final minutes of close game.

Check out this piece from our Fansided network on the Memphis Grizzlies’ uncanny success in Crunch Time.

And Another One:

It is an election year, and Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki is campaigning to “Make Dallas Great Again.” You’re Welcome.

What did you think about the past week of Grizzlies basketball? Do you buy or sell on Jeff Green? How do you explain the Grizzlies’ uncanny superiority in Crunch Time? Does Dirk’s patriotism inspire you? Add your comment to join the discussion.