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Jan 20, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter (15) dribbles defended by Sacramento Kings guard Garrett Temple (17) as Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale looks on in the second half at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Sacramento 107-91. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
After yet another slow start, Conley, Gasol and ZBo combine for 64 points to help propel the Grizzlies to a 107-91 win over the Sacramento Kings.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
| Grizzlies | 15 | 34 | 34 | 24 | 107 |
| Kings | 23 | 19 | 22 | 27 | 91 |
After the first quarter, the Grizzlies found themselves trailing 23-15. It seemed like it’d be another lackluster game against a mediocre team.
However, the veterans of the squad took over and dominated the last three quarters. Twenty seconds into the second quarter, Zach Randolph hit a mid-range jumper, sparking a 15-3 run for the Grizzlies. From then on, there wasn’t much reason to sit down in the Grindhouse as Gasol, Conley and Randolph were stellar. How did these players impact the game?
Jan 20, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) drives against Sacramento Kings guard Ty Lawson (10) in the second half at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Sacramento 107-91. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Conley: the Conductor
There’s not much to say about Mike Conley.
He probably won’t be an All-Star due to a crowded backcourt, but he deserves it. Night after night, he earns that contract and does whatever it takes to win.
In this game, he finished with 16 points to go along with eight rebounds and eight assists. Even if he isn’t getting buckets he drop dimes and pass to whoever has the hot hand for that night. Speaking of hot hands, let’s talk about Marc Gasol.
Jan 20, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) drives against Sacramento Kings center Kosta Koufos (41) during the first quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Marc Gasol: Quiet but Effective
When talking about the game, fellow Beale Street Bears writer Alex Smith said: “How the hell does Marc have a quiet 28 points?”
I thought for a moment and could only come to one conclusion: He just makes it look so easy.
Marc ended his night with 28 points and nine rebounds, making every sequence on the court look absolutely effortless and graceful.
Only the league’s best can casually drain a fade-away over the backboard while being fouled. Yeah, Marc did that.
Marc out here playing HORSE pic.twitter.com/7fthc8Lqj7
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) January 21, 2017
We all need to sit back for a moment and realize what we have with Gasol. Because of his ability to shoot, pass, score and defend at an elite level, he’s a rare breed.
If you have watched the NBA longer than one year, then you know Zach Randolph is Marc’s true frontcourt compadre. Let’s talk about ZBo’s big game.
Jan 20, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) drives against Sacramento Kings center Willie Cauley-Stein (00) in the second half at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Sacramento 107-91. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Zach Randolph continuing his 6th Man campaign
How does a 35 year-old man can come off the bench and notch a double-double? For most people, I wouldn’t be able to give you an reason, but it’s just another day in the office for Zach Randolph.
He ignited the Grizzlies offense, scoring 20 points, hauling 10 rebounds and finishing an astounding +23 in the +/- category. His scoring outburst included a deep buzzer-beater to end the third quarter and seal the Kings’ fate.
Let's watch this buzzer beater by #3BO again, shall we? pic.twitter.com/CM8MNTdwFr
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) January 21, 2017
Jan 20, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward James Ennis (8) looks to shoot in the second half against the Sacramento Kings at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Sacramento 107-91. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
James Ennis and Vince Carter step up
Ennis and Carter combined for 21 points, but that’s casual. Vince Carter hitting a few three-pointers? Completely normal. James Ennis pulling out a VC-like slam? Wow! If you haven’t seen it, do yourself a favor and watch this.
Bring it back, throw it DOWN. pic.twitter.com/Z5FcJycQG2
— Bleacher Report NBA (@BR_NBA) January 21, 2017
The Grindhouse was in postseason form last night. The win was nice but doing it against a former coach makes it so much sweeter.
Quick Hits
Consistency
If the Grizzlies can continue this level of play over an extended period of time, then they will be a dangerous team in the league. They must continue that high-level of play. Let’s see if they can go get a win over a Rockets team that’s desperate to steal one on the road. Unfortunately for Houston, they are coming to the Grindhouse, where dreams come to die.
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