Memphis Grizzlies drop big one in Golden State
The Memphis Grizzlies (9-22) dropped a game to the Golden State Warriors (25-6) without Steph Curry, Andre Iguadola, Draymond Green, and Shaun Livingston.
First Half Summary:
The Grizzlies opened up the game with a lead as big as 11 until Klay Thompson caught fire. Thompson hit seven straight field goals before missing a shot. Klay had 23 points with seven minutes remaining in the second quarter.
It’s hard to switch off Kevin Durant to guard a hot Thompson, only to get burned by the former MVP. Even three of their key guys out, this duo is such a luxury for Golden State. Thompson and Durant combined for 42 first half points. The Grizzlies made more 3’s than the Warriors, but trailed Golden State 56-51 at halftime.
Second Half Summary:
The second half began with the Grizzlies in seven feet of mud. It took the Grizzlies almost six minutes to get their first points. By that time, the Grizzlies, who had closed the gap to four, trailed by 11. Then, they really never were able to start a run against the Warriors. Eventually, the Grizzlies fell to the Warriors 97-84 in Oracle Arena.
Game Summary:
The Warriors entered tonight missing two of their core star players, but the Grizzlies still couldn’t capitalize. Thompson getting hot early and Durant being himself stopped any run the Grizzlies had in their pocket.
The Grizzlies are short-handed, yes, but they have to be better on the offensive end. Playing a two-man game can put a team to sleep, and that’s what the Grizzlies ran for majority of the second half.
Although Evans only had 10 points, he tried numerous times in the second half to bring them back into the game, but no one seemed to follow. Gasol had a solid game, dropping in 21 points on 15 shots from the field. He also shot 9-10 from the free throw line, but a lot of that was in the first half.
Next: What has changed since the last win against Warriors?
Dillon Brooks showed signs of what he can be in a free-flowing offense at times throughout the game, but was humbled by some rookie mistakes. The kid can ball, but with every rookie, consistency will come with time. Brooks dropped in nine points on 3-4 shooting from the 3-point line.