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3 Staggering Takeaways Behind Memphis Grizzlies’ 99-92 Loss in Portland

By Christian Dudley

PORTLAND, OR - DECEMBER 19: Ivan Rabb #10 of the Memphis Grizzlies rebounds the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers on December 19 , 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - DECEMBER 19: Ivan Rabb #10 of the Memphis Grizzlies rebounds the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers on December 19 , 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OR – DECEMBER 19: JaMychal Green #0 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers on December 19, 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR – DECEMBER 19: JaMychal Green #0 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers on December 19, 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Poor Bench Production

In the Memphis Grizzlies’ most recent wins, they have boasted huge bench contributions from reserves JaMychal Green, Joakim Noah, and others. Earlier in the season, it has been Shelvin Mack and MarShon Brooks in the limelight.

On Wednesday, the second unit struggled mightily. Not only did members of the starting unit struggle (see next point of emphasis), but so did the reserves. It is no wonder the Grizzlies only produced a measly 92 points versus Portland, and this is with Mike Conley dropping 23 points of his own.

Memphis’ reserves combined for just 14 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, and this is from a group totaling five guys. Alternatively, the Portland Trail Blazers’ bench came up big with totals of 44 points, 23 rebounds, and nine assists.

From the opening tip, the Grizzlies’ starters were off to a great start. They built a double figure lead over the Blazers’ starting five-man unit. It was by the tail end of the first quarter where Memphis allowed Portland to catch up. By the 11:18 mark in the second quarter, the Blazers took a one-point lead via an Evan Turner jumper. It was an uphill battle from there for the Beale Street gang.

Thankfully the Memphis Grizzlies had recalled Ivan Rabb from the G-League’s Memphis Hustle just hours prior to tip-off as he made the most out of the opportunity. He logged eight points, seven rebounds, and an assist in only 10 minutes of action. He provided some life for the Grizz and he probably has earned more tick moving forward.

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