The Memphis Grizzlies rallied hard after an embarrassing loss in Charlotte. However, they couldn’t overcome the Lakers, losing 100-93.
The Memphis Grizzlies returned from a brutal three-game road trip, where they closed it with two blowouts at the hands of Charlotte and Philadelphia. There was a nice energy in the Forum, partially because of the Laker fans in attendance.
After a historically terrible loss, it was important to see some fight in this team. Fortunately, the Grizzlies came out and fought. They started the first quarter hot, leading by as many as 14 in the period. However, the Lakers slowly chopped the lead down and ran away with it in the fourth quarter.
This loss marks the third straight defeat for the Grizzlies, as they fall to 19-54 on the season.
He just keeps on going
Andrew Harrison has been one of the most surprising developments of 2018 for the Memphis Grizzlies. Since last season, he was seen as a scapegoat — mainly because he was a favorite of Fizdale’s despite his mediocre play. However, he’s been tearing it the past few months, and he didn’t stop tonight.
Harrison turned in another strong performance, notching 20 points and nine assists — with only two turnovers. He tallied his fifth 20-point outing of the season, as he’s making a heavily strong case for the backup point guard spot for next season.
Inconsistency from the young players
Wayne Selden and Deyonta Davis are two of the most intriguing prospects. Selden is an elite athlete on the wing and has flashed upside as a two-way starter. You can’t ignore scoring and defensive potential. However, he failed to get anything going in this game — a theme for a few games lately. After averaging 17.3 points and shooting 11-21 (52.4 percent) from deep in the past four games, he cooled down in this one, as he finished with six points on 2-7 shooting.
Davis can become a solid low-usage, high-efficiency center, but his low basketball IQ and motor hurt him at times. Some games, his athleticism is on display, finishing around the rim with ease and playing volleyball on defense. Other games though, he gets torn apart because of his basketball IQ. In this game, he failed to make a difference (six points and two rebounds in 15 minutes).
These two players could be important pieces to next season’s team, but they need to become more consistent on a nightly basis — something that’ll come with experience.
Next: Firing Fizdale was a colossal mistake
Green on the Glass
JaMychal Green was quietly been one of the Grizzlies’ best players of 2018. Since the All-Star break, he’s averaging 11.7 points and 10.2 rebounds. He’s been the double-double machine this team signed him to be. It was no different in this one.
Green finished with 17 points and 16 rebounds. He did an excellent job on the glass, and he also spaced the floor out really well (3-3 from deep).
For the Grizzlies to bounce back next year, they need this JaMychal Green to come alive next season. He’s the aggressive presence on the glass that this team desperately needs.
In addition, he’s served as a solid stretch-4 for a team that doesn’t have enough shooters.
The Memphis Grizzlies will travel to Minnesota on Monday to play the Timberwolves.