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Memphis Grizzlies: 4 things that stood out in loss to Knicks

ByBrendan Smart|
NEW YORK,NY - DECEMBER 6 : Chandler Parsons
NEW YORK,NY - DECEMBER 6 : Chandler Parsons

The Memphis Grizzlies fall to the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden 88-99, and drop to (8-16) on the season.

The Memphis Grizzlies went into Wednesday night’s matchup with the New York Knicks looking to start a winning streak. Following an 11-game losing streak, Memphis beat the Minnesota Timberwolves at FedEx Forum, getting out of the slump. Playing in Madison Square Garden brings out the best in road teams, and the Grizzlies were sizzling early. In the end, the Grizzlies fell hard to the Knicks.

Things that stood out:

  • Chandler Parsons was feeling it early and often, scoring 10 points in the first quarter. His production was big for the Grizzlies quick run to begin the game. Although Parsons was hot early, he would end the game with 13 points. Even though Parsons didn’t continue scoring, his defensive intensity was consistent throughout the game.
  • Andrew Harrison continues to be a difference maker. Since the Cleveland, Harrison has made the an impact off the bench. He has had supreme confidence on defense throughout the year, but the offense has become another threat. Finding his shot hasn’t been easy, however, so Harrison hired a shooting coach to get his shoot looking better.

I caught this video of Harrison and his shooting coach. His form has always been fine, the arch as been the issue. You can see he and his coach working on arch in this clip. Now, Harrison is the X-factor off the Grizzlies bench.

  • Marc Gasol’s status following a awkward knee injury late in the second quarter. The Grizzlies big man went up to contest Kanter’s layup and seemed to land stiff on his right leg. Of course Grizzlies fans, including myself, thought back to his right foot which he had surgery on in 2015. Good news for Grizzlies fans, he returned for the second half. Bad news, Gasol really seemed out of the game. Entering the fourth quarter, Gasol had only three points in the second half. Hefinished with 17 points in 34 minutes of play. It’ll be interesting to see if he plays Friday verses the Toronto Raptors in Memphis.

    • The Grizzlies lack of maturity when having a lead. The big question in that first quarter was, “How are the Grizzlies going to handle this lead?” The answer:

    poorly

    . It seemed things were heading south quickly before Gasol went to the locker room with his injury, but that didn’t help things. A 12-point lead was wiped away on a Courtney Lee buzzer-beater for the Knicks to tie the game up at 49 at halftime. Of course, a lack of weapons and an influx of injuries have been the story this season for Memphis, but maintaining a big lead has been a story, too.

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    What is next?

    Memphis will head back home to take on the Raptors on Friday night in Memphis. Having a good home back-to-back would be great for the Grizzlies. They’ll start three-game home stand which will include the Raptors on Friday, Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday and the finale on Monday verses the Miami Heat. This three-game stretch can make or break the Grizzlies’ season.

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