Memphis Grizzlies 96, Atlanta Hawks 94: Quick Recap
The Memphis Grizzlies snapped a five-game losing streak to overcome the Atlanta Hawks.
The Memphis Grizzlies entered this game looking to snap a five-game losing streak and to crawl out of the league’s basement. Their opponent, the Atlanta Hawks, resides in the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
The Grizzlies trotted out the starting lineup of Dillon Brooks, JaMychal Green, Marc Gasol, Andrew Harrison and Tyreke Evans. On the other end, it’s almost a whole new look as they started Dennis Schroder, Kent Bazemore, Taurean Prince, Ersan Illyasova and Miles Plumlee — a unit that doesn’t remotely resemble their past playoff squads.
Once playoff mainstays now searching for an identity and consistency so that they don’t become annual lottery participants.
First Quarter
Sweet, another slow start!
The Memphis Grizzlies didn’t crack the double-digits until the 3:00 mark. The offense just didn’t look good. They lacked true ball and player movement. It was hard to tell if the Grizzlies defense actually looked good, or if the Atlanta Hawks are that bad.
It was hard to tell if it was a NBA game or pickup basketball at a local church.
At the end of the first quarter, the Hawks were up 21-17 as Chandler Parsons led the Grizzlies at scoring with 5 points.
Second Quarter
The Grizzlies started the second quarter with a lineup that isn’t favorable. They actually needed the Force (Stars Wars puns all day). The 5-man unit of Mario Chalmers, Ben McLemore, Dillon Brooks, Jarell Martin and Deyonta Davis isn’t a lineup that many teams will fear or gameplan for.
Ben McLemore continues to give me mixed emotions as he bounced back from a poor first quarter start to put a quick six points on the board.
The Grizzlies failed to retain the lead, but Tyreke Evans caught fire as he led the way at the half with 11 points. The Hawks had the lead at halftime 47-40.
Third Quarter
The Memphis Grizzlies started the second half with two 3’s from Marc Gasol to close the gap to one.
They found a rhythm in the second quarter, even though the Hawks had a 10-point lead at one point. They finally moved around and dished the basketball for open shots.
Gasol came alive in the quarter, scoring 13 points. Harrison drilled three straight 3-pointers as well.
One of the shining spots from the quarter was a beautiful fastbreak move by Tyreke Evans:
Fourth Quarter
The Grizzlies knotted the game after a Tyreke Evans 3, but the Hawks kept taking the lead right back.
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Mario Chalmers helped tie the lead again with a 3-pointer and a bucket. Later, he converted an another triple — ironically to tie the game.
Tyreke Evans gave the Grizzlies a 96-94 lead with less than a minute after a strong take to the basket.
Ultimately, the Grizzlies made the stop to get the 96-94 victory.
Key Stats
Marc Gasol: 13 points, six rebounds, five assists, eight turnovers
Tyreke Evans: 22 on 4-5 shooting from deep
Mario Chalmers: 16 points, four steals
Andrew Harrison: 10 points on 3-3 shooting from deep
Tune in tomorrow as the Memphis Grizzlies take on Kyrie Irving and the Celtics at home.