Memphis Grizzlies: Best and Worst (February 5-11)
Memphis vs. ANYBODY
The Grizzlies continued to make waves Monday night, holding the San Antonio Spurs to a mere 74 points to their own 89. A 15-point win over the second place Western Conference team made things clear: Memphis can play with ANYBODY.
Prior to Monday, the Grizzlies had beaten the Warriors (twice), Rockets (twice), Cavaliers and Raptors – top playoff contenders from both Conferences. The Spurs were the only team in the West that Memphis had yet to meet.
Holding any NBA team to 74 points is a feat. When that team is the San Antonio Spurs – a yearly contender for the Western Conference title – holding them below 75 points should be celebrated.
In the low-scoring affair, Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol led the way for Memphis with 15 points each. The absence of Kawhi Leonard sparked a 14 points from David Lee. The Grizzlies front-court held LaMarcus Aldridge to 13 points on 21-percent shooting, but an injury to Pau Gasol eliminated the possibility of a Gasol get-down.
RELATED: Injuries ruin the ultimate Gasol Matchup
Many a team have succumb to the Grindhouse this season – See: Golden State, Russell Westbrook, the Houston Rockets. Memphis is a hostile atmosphere. It sucks you in and spits you out in a quick, painful cycle.
The next best thing that happened this week came at the expense of a newfound villain in Grind City – Devin Booker.