Memphis Grizzlies 92, Portland Trailblazers 100: Recap based off Twitter

Sometimes life prevents you from watching some basketball. It’s OK though. There’s this thing called Twitter! What happened in the Memphis Grizzlies game according to Twitter?

The Memphis Grizzlies came into the game on a four-game losing streak. Portland was surely looking for revenge as the Grizzlies came into town last meeting to beat them — ironically, their last win.

Dave Fizdale went with the starting 5 of Mario Chalmers, Dillon Brooks, Chandler Parsons, JaMychal Green and Marc Gasol. However, the bench was completely lackluster. Instead of tightening up the rotations, Fizdale gave minutes to Deyonta Davis, Jarell Martin and Andrew Harrison — something less than far from ideal.

Unfortunately, the Grizzlies weren’t able to pull through with a victory, falling to the Blazers 100-92. They’ve now lost five games in a row and are currently 7-9.

Based on Twitter, what happened in this game? Is it time to say that the sky is falling in Memphis?

Ben McLemore was doing Ben McLemore things

Ben McLemore might be one of the most frustrating players in basketball. He has a silky-smooth jumper and elite athleticism, but there are times where he looks like the worst player on the court — even when Harrison, Martin and Davis are with him.

It’s always cool when McLemore does good things. Not to mention, it’s important for him to become a reliable contributor. There aren’t many players on this team with his shooting touch and athleticism. While the Grizzlies look to get out of this rut, every contribution is helpful.

DEYONTA DAVIS SIGHTING

Seeing Deyonta Davis playing regular minutes in November is definitely a product of a crisis situation. Without Brandan Wright, the Memphis Grizzlies need a true center to back up Marc Gasol. JaMychal Green and Jarell Martin don’t possess Deyonta’s size. Now, it’s time to see what the Michigan State product is made of.

It can either be really bad …

… or really good!

This game probably won’t be the last time you see Deyonta Davis. He’ll continue to see minutes as Gasol’s backup while Brandan Wright is out. If he continues to show flashes in these minutes, it won’t be shocking to see him challenge Wright for the backup center role.

Dame got hurt (but returned later)

It’s never good when a player gets injured. In last night’s game, the Blazers had a scare when All-Star point guard Damian Lillard went down with an ankle injury.

Fortunately, it wasn’t too serious as he returned later to close out a huge road win for the Blazers.

Bad officiating

Tony Brothers isn’t a fan in Memphis.

Let them play, Tony!

Tyreke gets buckets

Another day in the office for Tyreke Evans. The former University of Memphis Tiger had another 20-point game (20 points on 7-15 shooting). With Mike Conley out, Evans needs to continue his hot scoring stretch. It’s detrimental to the Grizzlies’ success.

CJ McCollum did it on ’em

CJ McCollum is a heartbreaker to opposing teams. He’ll take your ankles, and a “Victims Unit” video will be made of you the next week. He also possesses a deadly shooting touch that can put teams away in an instant. Last night was no different as McCollum finished with 24 points and eight rebounds, ultimately shutting the door on the game.

Five-game losing streak … is the sky falling?

The Memphis Grizzlies have now lost five games in a row. There are many attributing factors. They’ve played poor defense. The offense doesn’t look great at all — partially because the defense isn’t leading to transition offense. The Grizzlies are also missing All-Star point guard Mike Conley.

There’s hope that the Grizzlies can make it back to their playoff-caliber level. In the meantime, let’s just sit through and weather the storm. Things will — or at least should — get better.

Box Score view

• Marc Gasol nearly had a triple-double — scoring 19 points, grabbing 12 rebounds and dishing out seven dimes. He has to produce like that on offense in order for the Grizzlies to bounce back.
• Mario Chalmers had 21 points (a season high), six rebounds and six assists. He needs to sustain this level of play while Conley is out.
• Tyreke Evans notched another 20-point game — his seventh of the season.
• On the other side, Lillard (21 points and four assists) and CJ McCollum (24 points and eight rebounds) obviously produced. However, Noah Vonleh and Shabazz Napier won the game for the Blazers. Vonleh finished with a game-high 18 rebounds while scoring 11 points. Napier scored 16 points off the bench.

Next: Ranking Memphis Grizzlies draft needs by position

The Memphis Grizzlies will look to snap their five-game losing streak tomorrow night against the Dallas Mavericks at home.