Memphis Blows Big Lead Against Boston

Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis Blows Big Lead Against Boston

December 31, 2018

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Memphis blew a big lead at home last night against Boston. The Grizzlies were up 64-47 at halftime, after a dominant 38-18 2nd quarter. The Memphis defense was swarming everywhere. No matter how often or how quickly the Celtics would move the ball, there were seemingly two or three blue jerseys preventing any sort of decent shot attempt.

Offensively, the Grizzlies were getting whatever they wanted. In the first half Memphis went 20/24 on two point attempts and scored 36 points in the paint.

The complete inverse happened in the second half. Boston outscored the Grizzlies 65-39 in the final 24 minutes. Even after the poor first half, the Celtics still managed a 117.9 offensive rating for the game. Memphis simply could not buy a bucket, missing plenty of shots at the rim, while Mike Conley again struggled shooting from the floor.

Observations

1. Dillon Brooks

The best spin Memphis can put on this game is how good Dillon Brooks looked. Brooks went 5/11 from the field, hitting four of five three-point attempts, all five of his free throws, while totaling 19 points.

The Grizzlies offense desperately needs more scoring punch, especially from bench units.

2. Marc Gasol Flip Shots

Marc Gasol is so skilled. He has incredible touch on his hook shot. Here is his go to running hook shot, called in Spanish.

And here is Gasol basically getting completely stonewalled by the Boston defense only to just flip the ball at the basket and, of course, have it go in.

Gasol finished last night with 15 points on 6/11 shooting, and snared 10 rebounds. After recent struggles due to health, Gasol has cobbled together three consecutive good games. It may be presumptuous to say he is healthy now, but he is playing better and he just looks quicker and more confident lately.

3. Anderson’s Absurd Length

Kyle Anderson had four steals last night. On par with the rest of Anderson’s entire game, he snatches steals from being long, and having exceptional instincts.

How often do you see that on a post-up? Seriously, think about it. Horford has the ball for a split second before Anderson clean knocks it away from behind.

That is just a clean steal reaching across the body of Kyrie Irving. *Kyrie Irving*. Kyrie has the best handles in the league and Anderson poked that ball away with the cease of him picking out what cereal he wanted in the supermarket.

Questions

1. How Healthy Is Mike Conley?

Mike Conley is battling a hamstring issue, and it seems to be winning right now. Last night, Conley went 9/22 from the field, and 1/9 from three. Over his last five games, Conley is shooting 42% from the field, and has only gotten to the line 18 times, low for someone average 5.3 trips per game. In consecutive games against the Kings and Lakers, Conley didn’t get to the line at all.

Soft tissue injuries linger, so this may be a nagging problem all season without proper rest. The issue is the Grizzlies can ill-afford to rest Conley. Between the utter lack of offense surrounding Conley and the brutal Western conference, any games Conley misses could be detrimental to the team’s playoff hopes.

2. Can I Mention Jayson Tatum?

Clearly, this is a Grizzlies post. However, I feel a professional responsibility to inform you when someone like this happens.

Jayson Tatum FLYING for the putback dunk ?? (via @celtics) pic.twitter.com/SKECqZkEM6

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 30, 2018

[Insert “Friday” Daaaaamn GIF here]

Prediction

Conley Rests in Houston

Memphis gave Conley the night off when they traveled to Golden State earlier in the month. The Rockets are red hot right now, and something is bugging Conley. After the date with the Rockets, the Grizzlies schedule eases up a little, starting with two home games against the Pistons and Nets.

Bickerstaff will decide to play it safe on New Year’s Eve.

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