Memphis Grizzlies secure 20th win of the season
The Memphis Grizzlies pulled together a strong fourth quarter outing to secure their 20th win of the season, as they beat the Timberwolves, 101-93.
The Memphis Grizzlies got the monkey off their backs and won their first road game of the 2018 calendar year. They came into Minnesota to face off against a team looking to differentiate themselves in the chaotic race from the 4th-10th seeds.
They used a strong fourth quarter to pull together a victory, as they outscored the Timberwolves by 12 and held them to 11 points.
People might be upset about the win, but at least they have 20 wins now — and the win came because of a spectacular showing by one of the young cubs.
Standings Implications
Everyone’s concern coming after the win was the implications on the lottery.
Good news: they still have the second-best lottery odds with a 55.8 percent chance of going into the top-three.
Bad news: Phoenix lost, so the Grizzlies now a game-and-a-half behind them for the best lottery odds.
They still hold a game lead over Atlanta for second. In addition, they have two and three game leads over Dallas, Atlanta and Brooklyn.
This win doesn’t do much for their lottery odds, so no need to fret, guys. It’s OK to have a win here and there!
(source: Tankathon.com)
Point Parsons
Chandler Parsons has experienced an insanely sharp decline, but don’t let that distract you from thinking he can be a reliable contributor.
Though he scored on just a single 3-point make, Parsons did a steady job facilitating the offense, as he dropped five dimes. He also delivered these two saucy assists:
https://twitter.com/memgrizz/status/978437092064755714
https://twitter.com/memgrizz/status/978431412213727232
Parsons may never be the 18-5-5 people expected coming into his contract. However, if he could facilitate the offense like this and shoot 40 percent from deep in 50+ games next season, that’s a nice consolation prize for the Grizzlies.
Related Story: Finding Parsons' role with Memphis
Wayne’s World
Give Wayne Selden some Skittles, because he went complete beast mode and put the team on his back in the fourth quarter.
He had one of his most complete games of the season, scoring 23 points (4-6 shooting from deep), four assists and three steals. In addition, he’s delivered a strong stretch of basketball lately. He’s averaging 16.3 points on 53.7 percent shooting and 50.0 shooting from deep.
https://twitter.com/memgrizz/status/978468576742072321
Wayne Selden won the game for the Grizzlies, and though “tanking” is the objective, it’s totally cool if a young guy leads the way to victory. That’s how a player develops into a meaningful contributor on the team.
Other Stats
Marc Gasol: 20 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, three blocks, two steals, 4-of-7 shooting from deep.
JaMychal Green: 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Mario Chalmers: 10 points and three assists.
Next: Grizzlies Draft Big Board 3.0
The Memphis Grizzlies return home to face Portland tomorrow night at 7:00.