Memphis Grizzlies end their longest losing streak in franchise history against Denver

The Memphis Grizzlies entered Saturday nights game trying to avoid being victims of 20 straight games. Could they avoid the infamy?

The Memphis Grizzlies faced the Denver Nuggets for the second time in a week. Would the Grizzlies pull through?

First Quarter

The Grizzlies sprinted out of the gates opening up a 10-3 lead, and then expanding it to as much as 10 throughout the first period. Marc Gasol looked aggressive — more aggressive than usual this game. JaMychal Green was all over the court: blocking 3-point shots, getting offensive rebounds, and just being the fire this team needed to start the game.

The Grizzlies absolutely rolled the momentum on throughout the first quarter and leading by as much as 20. Memphis would have had a 20 point lead after one, but the Nuggets hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer. The score was 34-17 Grizzlies after one quarter.

Second Quarter

The Grizzlies started the second quarter a little bit cooler. Of course, bringing in Mario Chalmers hurts offensively, but the Grizzlies just seemed to level out at the beginning of the second quarter.

The Grizzlies field goal percentage dropped and the Nuggets’ percentage rose up, leading to the Nuggets to cut the Grizzlies 17 point lead down to five at the half. The Grizzlies led 53-48 at the end of two quarters.

Dillon Brooks and Tyreke Evans led the way for the Grizzlies with 10 points a piece at the half.

Third Quarter:

DIllon Brooks opened up the second half with three straight 3’s!

Those 3’s helped build the Grizzlies lead back up to double digits.

Outside of Brooks, the Grizzlies really put a lot of work after the halftime break into ball movement. If the ball wasn’t moving, Brooks and other Grizzlies would not be getting the looks they were getting. Cutting, slashing, and rotating had the Grizzlies shooting in the 40’s in terms of percentage through three quarters.

The Grizzlies closed the third quarter with a nine-point lead on the Nuggets and showed consistency throughout those three quarters — something the Grizzlies struggled with during this 19-game losing streak.

Fourth Quarter:

Memphis started the fourth quarter so, so sloppy. several Grizzlies turnover had Denver within three not even two minutes into the fourth. After a 19-game losing streak, it seemed to be all but too true when the Grizzlies had the lead for the entire game.

The Nuggets tied the game in the fourth, and we all felt the “oh no” inside of us, but then Gasol reassured us that he can still close.

Between Evans and Gasol, Memphis ended their disastrous 19 game losing streak agaisnt the Nuggets. Brooks led all scorers with 24 points, Evans with 19 points, and Wayne Selden chipped in 16 points off the bench.

Next: Draft grows murkier for the Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies will be in action again Monday as they play the Brooklyn Nets.