QUICK HITS: Memphis Grizzlies 102, Minnesota Timberwolves 98

Mike Conley and Marc Gasol led the Memphis Grizzlies to a 102-98 win over the rising Minnesota Timberwolves. David Fizdale wins first game as a head coach.

The Memphis Grizzlies, despite the absences of Chandler Parsons and Tony Allen, have won their first game of the season over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Here is ESPN’s box score.

Quick hits

• Mike Conley took the first step in proving his worth. Even though he was in foul trouble, he scored 24 points (on 4-5 shooting from 3-point range) and dished out 4 assists. There were instances where he should’ve taken the shot. On the other hand, he should’ve had at least four more trips to the foul line. The Memphis Grizzlies were able to rally behind their rich, Jordan-rockin’ point guard.
• Wade Baldwin showed “Little Westbrook” glimpses tonight. While he does need to learn how to shot at the rim more than kick out, Baldwin put on an all-around tenacious performance. He stuffed the stat sheet with 7 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 blocks, 3 steals and ZERO turnovers in 25 minutes of action. The development of Baldwin will be a fun ride for the Memphis Grizzlies.
• Marc Gasol played like he didn’t have a major foot injury. It wasn’t Gasol’s best performance, yet didn’t show any weaknesses. He did a great job containing Karl-Anthony Towns to a 45 percent shooting performance. Gasol also hit his first of (hopefully) many 3-pointers.
• Zach Randolph off the bench will be a joy to watch. ZBo put on a vintage performance off the bench with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Watching him tear apart second-unit big men like Cole Aldrich will be a major key for the Memphis Grizzlies this season.
• James Ennis is a beast. Dave Joerger will look foolish for waiving him for the sake of Ryan Hollins. Ennis started in Chandler Parsons’ place and showed Grizzlies fans what they could’ve had last season. Ennis scored 15 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. In addition, he produced some highlight-reel plays. Once Parsons comes back, the Memphis Grizzlies will benefit with Ennis’ explosiveness off the bench.
• Andrew Harrison needs some work. Even though he was a +8 on the court, he still went 1-for-7 from the field with 3 turnovers. While it was his first game, it definitely wasn’t memorable. Furthermore, I expect Harrison to progress as the season grows along.

By the numbers

• 11: 3-pointers by the Grizzlies
• 11: blocks by the Grizzlies
• 45.8: percent from 3-point land
• 38: the most minutes from a Grizzlies player tonight … from Andrew Harrison
• 65: points combined from the Big 3 of Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine

They said it

Highlights

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