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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: J.B. Bickerstaff of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game 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 Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR – DECEMBER 19: J.B. Bickerstaff of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game 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 Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Coaching Decisions

Though Marc Gasol had major struggles that forced hardships on the Memphis Grizzlies in Portland, the responsibility for the loss really falls on Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff.

For instance, Ivan Rabb was excelling on the floor and only received 10 minutes of action. Gasol clearly needed to be pulled from the lineup on multiple occasions, and that move did not happen. Bickerstaff strongly favors his vetearns and it was very evident throughout the second half.

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Furthermore, one would expect a team to play one of its biggest scoring threats if they were in desperation for offensive firepower. Yet on Wednesday, the Memphis Grizzlies failed to insert MarShon Brooks into the rotation. He sat the bench in a Blazers matchup that is more geared to his game. Who knows, MarShon may have provided enough offensive life to lift the Grizz to a road victory. It makes sense.

To make matters worse, the Grizzlies’ two rookies — Jevon Carter and Jaren Jackson Jr. — are not receiving the opportunity to really play through mistakes and hardships. Again, Bickerstaff is deferring to his veterans no matter how good or bad they may be performing.

Jackson Jr. was yanked from the lineup when he picked up an early fourth personal foul. It is understandable for J.B. to want to save Jaren for late in the game (which is not always the case, though it would be smart), but at this point, the rookie needs to learn to play without fouling. He cannot grow past this issue if he does not get the opportunities to correct it.

For Carter, he did not have as nearly of a strong performance versus Portland as he did against the Houston Rockets. However, he was a much better option than Shelvin Mack, who has been tough to watch over the past few weeks. If anyone has definitely come back down to earth since the team’s best-in-the-West start, it is Mack. His -23 rating on the night — paired with 0/5 shooting — makes the entire arena cringe.

Next. Memphis Grizzlies: Mike Conley and Marc Gasol's Health is Pivotal. dark

J.B. Bickerstaff must acknowledge that playing the Grizzlies’ youngsters will not only snag wins today, but it will benefit this club greatly as the season progresses. He needs to build trust in his rookies.

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