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4 Takeaways from Memphis Grizzlies’ 105-97 Loss to Houston Rockets

By Christian Dudley

MEMPHIS, TN - DECEMBER 15: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 15, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - DECEMBER 15: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 15, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 2: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on December 2, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 2: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on December 2, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Marc Gasol Found His Offense

Missing from Memphis Grizzlies games in December has been Marc Gasol‘s scoring ability. After scoring 20+ points in seven of the team’s first 20 games, Gasol has not once reached that mark in the past nine games.

In fact, Marc Gasol has scored in the single digits three times in the Grizzlies’ past seven contests. It has gotten to a point where the three-time All-Star center has not even been getting to the line for free-throw attempts. Thankfully No. 33 offers a lot on the defensive end to offset the recent offensive lapses.

light. Related Story. Memphis Grizzlies: Marc Gasol for Defensive Player of the Year

In December, Gasol has experienced outings of 4/14, 1/13, 4/15, and 6/16 shooting from the field. His shot has been off, and not just from three-point land — it has been from all over the floor.

Marc Gasol began the game on fire, scoring a quick nine points in the first quarter for the Memphis Grizzlies. In finishing with 17 points on 7/12 shooting accuracy (58.3%), it appears Gasol may be back on the right offensive track. To do this against a great defensive big man foe in Clint Capela, this speaks greater volumes to Marc’s overall offensive performance on Saturday.

Hopefully this is a primer for Monday’s matchup with the Golden State Warriors as the Grizzlies must be firing on all cylinders in order to compete for four quarters. The center position is perhaps the only area where Memphis can own a clear advantage versus Golden State, so they need to take advantage by looking for Gasol early and frequently on offense.

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