Memphis Grizzlies face Pistons in Griffin’s debut
It’s almost destiny for Blake Griffin to make his debut with the Detroit Pistons on the same night they play the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Clippers and Pistons sent shockwaves through the entire NBA when Blake Griffin was shipped to Detroit — even after his elaborate “life-long Clipper” free agent pitch. It’s a move nobody expected, a reason why the NBA is the greatest league in the world. Now, it’s absolutely fitting for him to make his Piston debut against the Memphis Grizzlies.
After years of playoff battles, “whoop that clip” chants and tussles with ZBo, Griffin gets to see the Grizzlies once more.
How do the Grizzlies look against this new-look Pistons team? What must they do to secure a win?
Keys to the game
- Slow down Blake Griffin
This is easier said than done. Griffin has evolved from a one-dimensional dunker to an all-around stud. So long are the days where you can sag off five feet from him. Leave him open from 3, and he’s going to drain it. He’s also proven himself capable of serving as a primary playmaker — his prime role in Reggie Jackson’s absence.
If the Grizzlies let him get rolling, it’ll be hard to stop him as he looks to please his new fanbase.
- Contain Drummond on the boards
Andre Drummond has quickly become one of the elite rebounders in this game. This season, he’s leading the league in rebounds at 15.3 boards a game. If the Grizzlies let him crash the glass and create second-chance opportunities, it’ll be over for this team.
- Don’t let any perimeter players get hot
The Pistons are paper thin on the perimeter now that Tobias Harris and Avery Bradley are gone. However, against Cleveland, they showed that if the wings get hot, they won’t get beat. Stanley Johnson erupted for 26 points and 10 rebounds. Reggie Bullock scored 22 points and knocked down four 3-pointers. Meanwhile, long-time vet Anthony Tolliver also chipped in 20 points.
If the Grizzlies don’t lock down the perimeter, it’ll be a long night in Detroit.
- Let your perimeter players loose
While I say the Pistons are paper thin on the perimeter, they need to take advantage of that and let Dillon Brooks and Wayne Selden loose. Last night against the Pacers, the young duo served as an outstanding two-way presence. Brooks only came away with 12 points, but notched four steals. Selden scored 24 points and drilled six 3-pointers.
If the Grizzlies want a shot in this game, they need a big game from this 1-2 punch.
Game Info
Who: Memphis Grizzlies @ Detroit Pistons
When: 6:00 PM – ct
Where: Little Caesars Arena – Detroit, MI
How to watch: Fox Sports Southeast (or any online stream)
How to listen: 92.9 ESPN – Memphis