The Memphis Grizzlies (17-8) continue to defy the laws of basketball, extending their winning streak to six games following a 21-point win over the Golden State Warriors.
In case you haven’t heard, the Grindhouse is a tough venue to play in. And last night, that venue was sold out, as 18,000+ showed up to watch the injury-ridden Memphis Grizzlies knock off Kevin Durant and the Golden State Warriors 110-89.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
| Grizzlies | 31 | 30 | 26 | 23 | 110 |
| Warriors | 16 | 22 | 27 | 24 | 89 |
Coming into the game, the Warriors held the top offensive rating (115.1) in the league, also averaging an NBA-leading 119 points per game. The Memphis Grizzlies, on the other hand, had the best defensive rating in the league (99.9). The Grit ‘n’ Grind defense outlasted the high volume offense, holding Golden State to a season-low 89 points.
The Memphis Grizzlies set the tone early in the first quarter with a 22-6 run, resulting in a 31-16 lead after the first quarter. Tony Allen’s suffocating defense completely eliminated Klay Thompson from the conversation all night long.
The Grizzlies ended the half with a 9-2 burst, following it with seven straight points to start the third quarter. The grind continued, and Coach Steve Kerr emptied his bench only three minutes into the fourth quarter, signaling surrender in Grind City.
Of the nine Grizzlies that played more than two minutes, seven of them scored in double digits. Marc Gasol led the way with 19 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Yes, he’s still a center.
Related Story: Marc Gasol is the key to beating the Warriors
JaMychal Green double-doubled for the fifth straight game, scoring 14 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in less than 30 minutes. Tony Allen’s offensive game also came alive tonight, netting 19 points as well (including a cringe-worthy three pointer).
For the Warriors, Kevin Durant led the team with 21 points and 7 rebounds. Steph Curry added 17 points as well, shooting 3-for-11 from beyond the arc.
After the game, Kevin Durant spoke with the media, saying that “ set the tone physicality wise to start the game. We waited too long to match it.”
Here’s the video:
"They set the tone on the defensive side of the ball early." - KD on the Grizz D. pic.twitter.com/FbCc5UMm39
— Beale Street Bears (@BealeStBearsFS) December 11, 2016
When asked about the mentality of his team, Coach David Fizdale told the media “I wanted to be part of this organization this summer because of the kind of guys they have. They like competition. They love it.”
What’s next?
Memphis takes Sunday and Monday off as they prepare for a back-to-back series against the defending NBA Champions, the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Grizzlies visit Cleveland Tuesday (Dec. 13), and both teams return to the Grindhouse for a Wednesday night inter-conference showdown.
Follow @BealeStBearsFS on twitter for more Grizz goodness, like this:
— Beale Street Bears (@BealeStBearsFS) December 11, 2016