The Memphis Grizzlies battled the Phoenix Suns for ping pon… uh, I mean … to break their double-digit losing streaks. The results weren’t so pretty.
If you’re for tanking, this game was basically the equivalent of a Rockets-Warriors matchup. If you’re against it, it was an agonizing one. It was almost like a G-League game with special appearances from Marc Gasol and Devin Booker.
Unfortunately(?), the Memphis Grizzlies couldn’t secure a victory, as they lost to the Suns 110-102 at home.
What were some noteworthy takeaways from this game? Is there anything remotely exciting?
Motivated Marc
For the first time in a long time, Marc Gasol actually looked motivated on the court. A day after commenting on his “pretty high” level of frustration, Gasol came out and looked to will the Grizzlies to victory. Not to mention, he played like he wanted to be out there.
He dove on the floor for loose balls. He slammed down dunks with authority. All in all, it was one of Gasol’s best games in awhile.
Gasol finished with 22 points on 7-21 shooting ( :/ ), 12 rebounds and four blocks.
Keeping Gasol engaged the rest of the season is extremely important. Failure to do so could result in a busy, stressful offseason for the Grizzlies.
Related Story: Gasol continues to be under-appreciated
Harrison, Martin continue to thrive
Jarell Martin and Andrew Harrison have been pleasant surprises as the calendar flipped to 2018. Against the Suns last night, nothing changed.
Harrison finished with another solid performance, as he scored 20 points on 5-11 shooting (3-5 from deep, 7-8 from the free-throw line), seven rebounds and five assists. He’s simply found a rhythm, stringing together excellent outings. In the month of February, he averaged 15.1 points on 37.5 percent shooting from deep, 4.2 assists and 2.8 rebounds. If he can continue playing at this level of basketball to close the season, he’ll enter the offseason with his name sharpied in the backup point guard slot.
Martin put together a quietly solid all-around performance. He scored 15 points and connected on three of his four 3-point attempts. He also grabbed six rebounds and dropped five assists. Martin was simply all over the place and was aggressive in this one. After his whole preseason fiasco, Martin has been one of the real feel-good stories of the season, as he’s coming into his own as a NBA player.
Ben McLemore, man…
There hasn’t been a more disappointing player on the Memphis Grizzlies than Ben McLemore. People thought he can come into his own with a change of scenery.
He honestly might look worse, somehow.
McLemore got the surprising start in this one, but he couldn’t even crack double-digit minutes. After two missed catches and poor defense, McLemore sat until the second-half.
In nine minutes, he had five points and was a -15.
At this point, it’s hard seeing McLemore make a NBA roster next year. Yes, I know he’s under contract.
The Other Side
Phoenix gave a little glimpse of the 1-2 punch they have brewing.
More from Grizzlies News
- Dillon Brooks speaks out after beating former Grizzlies teammate in World Cup
- Jaren Jackson Jr. puts ex-Grizzlies teammate on notice
- 3 players Grizzlies would consider trading Ja Morant for
- Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. put on blast following FIBA elimination
- Ex-Grizzlies guard signs with title favorite, joins forces with 6-time All-Star
Devin Booker, who’s averaging nearly 25 points a game, put on another scoring clinic. Though he shot 12-29, he still reached the 30-point threshold, as he scored 34 points. He possesses shifty moves, nice ball-handling and a smooth shooting stroke; these attributes will make him a star here soon.
Josh Jackson had one of his better scoring games, as he tallied 29 points. He found his way to the rim at will, and his aggressive style of play is fun to watch.
The Suns may not be good right now, but at least they have some bright young players to build around.
What’s next
The Memphis Grizzlies will stay home for a matchup against the Denver Nuggets on Friday night at 7:00 PM.
Though these teams are heading in totally different directions, at least we get to see Marc Gasol against Nikola Jokic.