The last time the Memphis Grizzlies and Brooklyn Nets faced off, it became a huge spectacle that ultimately shaped the season. Let’s throw it back.
I can remember it like it was yesterday. The Memphis Grizzlies lost seven games prior to this matchup and were desperately looking for a win without floor general Mike Conley. Desperate times called for desperate measures. Right?
Head coach Dave Fizdale did something unprecedented for the Grizzlies; he benched Marc Gasol in the fourth quarter of a close game. As a result, the Grizzlies lost their eighth straight game — which ultimately cost Fizdale his job.
They fired the same coach they initially hired to transition out of “grit ‘n’ grind.” The same coach that rallied the city with his “Take that for Data” rant, his outspoken political views and his community involvement. The same coach that unlocked more dangerous versions of Mike Conley and Marc Gasol. And also, the same coach that was at the helm when the team started the season 5-1.
Fifty games later, it’s hard to tell if the Grizzlies made the right call or not. Since the firing, the Grizzlies are 12-38, as they reside in the league’s basement with the Phoenix Suns and Atlanta Hawks. The offense and defense don’t look systematically or statistically better without Fizdale.
All in all, it’s now seen an impulse decision that makes this franchise look completely dysfunctional.
Anyways, let’s move on and talk about tonight’s matchup with the Nets.
Matchup to watch for
- Tyreke Evans vs. D’Angelo Russell
Tyreke Evans and D’Angelo Russell are both big guards that are insanely crafty scoring the basketball. Both players can get hot from deep in a hurry and can get their teammates involved quite well. In addition, they’re both keys to their team’s success.
Since his return from injury, Tyreke Evans is averaging 22.5 points on 43.8 percent shooting from deep, eight assists and four rebounds a game. If the Grizzlies want a chance to win, Evans must continue his excellent play.
Russell missed the last matchup with the Grizzlies after knee surgery that sidelined him for over 30 games. Since returning from injury, he’s been solid but inconsistent. Over his past ten contests, Russell averaged 16.8 points on 41.4 percent shooting from the field (43.7 from deep) — which includes five games with over 20 points. The Grizzlies must contain Russell to keep this game close.
Nonetheless, both of these guards are two of the most underrated scorers in the game, and seeing them battle it out should be fun to watch.
Key to win
Keep the Nets off the 3-point line
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- 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
The Nets take “shoot your shot” to a whole new level. Though they are in the bottom-five in 3-point percentage (35.1), they still launch the second-most triples per game (35). In addition, they make the second-most 3’s per game (12.3).
It seems like they just sling up 3’s and hope for the best, but they have legitimate shooters on this team. Of players who shoot more than one 3 per game, six of them shoot over 35 percent from deep — Dante Cunningham, Nik Stauskas, Joe Harris, Isaiah Whitehead, DeMarre Carrol and Allen Crabbe. This list doesn’t even include D’Angelo Russell, who can get hot from deep in a hurry.
They might be one of the league’s worst teams, but you can’t let him get going from deep.
Game Info
Who: Memphis Grizzlies @ Brooklyn Nets
Where: Barclays Center – Brooklyn, NY
When: 6:30 pm CT
How to watch: Fox Sports Southeast — or any online stream
How to listen: 92.9 ESPN – Memphis