Memphis Grizzlies shoot down Pelicans in home opener
A Tony Allen homecoming was one to witness, but the Memphis Grizzlies shot down the Pelicans 103-91 in front of a sell out crowd at FedEx Forum.
The Memphis Grizzlies opened up the 2017 NBA season in Memphis on Wednesday night at FedEx Forum in front of a sell-out crowd. A game highlighted by the return of the “Grindfather,” Tony Allen to the Grindhouse was something special. After that, it was the Grizzlies getting their new fast-paced offense up and down the court. Between the Grizzlies’ fast pace and their tenacious defense, it was too late for the New Orleans Pelicans.
First Quarter recap
The Grizzlies scored a total of 27 points and trailed 34-27 after one. Gasol seemed to be nonexistent. The Grizzlies offense was out of sync, which is understandable due to five days rest.
Second quarter
The Grizzlies rose from the dead following the Grizzlies tribute video to former guard Tony Allen. A solid bench of Dillon Brooks, Mario Chalmers, Brandon Wright, Jarell Martin, and Chandler Parsons came to life.
Of note, Parsons was the last rotation player off the bench in the first quarter. He was also the first bench player subbed out in the second quarter. Martin was subbed for Parsons early in the second.
Martin was brought in for a spark and to wreak havoc on a New Orleans second line.
Third quarter
The Grizzlies came out of the locker room and turned solid defense into great offense. Gasol had six quick points. Chandler Parsons showed some signs of basketball movement — by movement I mean he took a 3, was fouled and was able to get up. Then, he followed that up with a put-back layup. The Grizzlies outscored the Pelicans by seven, extending their lead to nine at the end of the period.
Fourth quarter
Chandler Parsons does what he usually does and opened the quarter with a trey. Parsons finished six points and about 17,000 uncalled for boo’s from a frustrated Grizzlies crowd in 15 minutes of play. Even after Gasol fouled out, the Grizzlies’ offense slowly came together, and that propelled them to a big first win over the Pelicans.
Top 3 Stat Lines
Mike Conley: In 32 minutes, Conley shot 9-15 from the field and 4-9 from deep, finishing with 27 points.
Dillon Brooks: In 29 minutes of play, Brooks had 19 points on 7-13 shooting. He showed he belongs in this rotation going forward.
Marc Gasol: Big Spain scored 14 points and 11 rebounds(!!) in 29 minutes of play. He shot 6-18 from the field and had two key 3’s down the stretch.
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Can the Memphis Grizzlies carry their momentum into Saturday’s game against the defending champions, the Golden State Warriors?