The Memphis Grizzlies got back to their losing ways Friday night, bolstering their tanking efforts with a 107-97 loss to the Utah Jazz.
The Memphis Grizzlies came into Utah searching for answers, having strung together two unlikely wins at a rather inconvenient time. After putting forth such a tank-tastic few months, it was time to finish out the season strong.
First Half
Memphis dug themselves an early hole with a pathetic first quarter in which they mustered just 14 points on 31 percent shooting. Their defensive effort was likewise listless; offense-challenged Utah shot 60% on a buffet of easy looks.
Down double-digits in the second, the Grizzlies ceased playing like Walking Dead extras. They rode a 17-3 run back into the game, fueled by fierce attacking and steady ball movement. Marc Gasol was a flawless 6-6 from the floor, as Memphis clawed back to a manageable 52-47 mark.
Second Half
The Jazz continued to stall in the third, with ugly shots and unforced turnovers punctuating their first six minutes. Meanwhile, Gasol went full Steph Curry, torching the post-bound Rudy Gobert from long range. Memphis grabbed a brief lead, but subbed Gasol out, promptly lost said lead, and trailed 80-76 after three.
The Grizzlies’ supporting cast held court for the first part of the fourth, with MarShon Brooks attacking aptly, and Utah failing to punish Memphis’ disorganized D. They kept the deficit under seven, biding time while Gasol rested.
But as the lead suddenly ballooned, Gasol – perhaps predictably – remained on the bench. His absence decisively swung the game in Utah’s favor. Memphis couldn’t hold onto the ball much less put it in the hoop, ultimately falling 107-97.
The loss gives Memphis valuable equity in a tight lottery race, now just a half-game back of the Hawks for the league’s second-worst record. Utah climbs to 43-33, knotted with New Orleans for the West’s seventh seed.
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Observations and Notes
– Marshon Brooks is eating. Brooks continued his spirited NBA return vs. Utah, dropping 24 and carrying Memphis’ offense when Gasol sat. Safe to say he was hungry for another shot at the main event.
– Royce O’Neale was a menace in the passing lanes. He’s long, physical, and has great instincts. He’ll punish lazy passes, which Memphis threw many of.
– Jarell Martin displayed more troubling offensive awareness. After Zach Lowe touched on Martin’s shot selection last week, Jarell burned several possessions with off-the-dribble contested jumpers.
– Ricky Rubio’s absence was no issue for the Jazz, as Joe Ingles stepped up to fill the void, dishing ten assists.
– Speaking of career-highs, Gasol’s six threes were also his personal best. He finished with 28 points in 23 minutes, on a scintillating 11/12 from the floor.