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Player Grades: Grizzlies lose to Russell Westbrook
Feb 3, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives to the basket against Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
The Memphis Grizzlies fell to 30-22 in Oklahoma City due to Russ doing Russ things. How did each Grizzly fare in this game?
The Grizzlies had no answer for Russell Westbrook.
When he wasn’t in, the Grizzlies had no problem taking control of the game. On a six-game road trip, the Thunder was, and have so far proven to be, the hardest matchup for the Grizzlies. It was no surprise that the league’s most unstoppable guard was the reason the game fell in favor of the Thunder.
Memphis struggled on the glass, went 3-19 from 3-poiny territory and two players, JaMychal Green and James Ennis fouled out. Just a few stats to help defend why the Grizzlies should’ve won to all the Steven Adams-loving, Brodie bro’s, out there.
It was a mediocre game for the everyone except Marc Gasol, and there are plenty of spots that explain a 12-point loss to the youngest team in basketball. The ball forced in plenty of situations and the Grizzlies look flustered on offense. They could not manage to get open shots and when they did, they weren’t falling. Overall, tough game for the entire team. Although he still managed 31 points, it’s the first time Gasol has failed to hit a three since January 18th against the Wizards.
Feb 3, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) drives to the basket in front of Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Starters
JaMychal Green
F, Memphis Grizzlies
FI changed this between a D- and F two or three times before settling on an F. He didn’t score, and fouled out in a game where his rebounding would’ve been a major key. Regardless if he fouled out or not, he shouldn’t have gone scoreless against the Thunder’s frontcourt.
Chandler Parsons
F, Memphis Grizzlies
CHe’s still returning from an injury so I’ll be nice, but at some point he needs to start producing in his limited minutes. He has yet to score above 15 points. Given that he is a sharpshooter, he needs to establish himself as a go-to shooter and become more of an offensive threat. The Grizzlies need wins, and Parsons has to find his rhythm in this offense. He looks more agile the more he plays, but his style of play still revolves around the perimeter. Parsons is still a work in progress.
Marc Gasol
C, Memphis Grizzlies
A-Like I said earlier, he did everything but hit a three in this game. He carried the Grizzlies for as long as he could, and Westbrook’s daggers negated any effort Gasol could make. He’s clearly the Grizzlies’ best player. If he can stay consistent, the rest of the squad will slowly fall into place. They’re coming along and are looking to peak around the perfect time. We have seen what each player can do, and the consistency among them is slowly increasing. Losses like these are tough, but it also motivate players like Mike Conley and JaMychal Green, knowing they could change the game with their play.
Tony Allen
G/F, Memphis Grizzlies
C-I feel like a C- is generous. His defense was fine, but it seems like what he brings on defense doesn’t make up for what he lacks of offense. He’s a shooting guard in the NBA, and teams give 12 feet at the top of the key, knowing he can’t shoot. This isn’t good for a team that is trying to make their case as contenders.
Mike Conley
G, Memphis Grizzlies
BHe had a good game but missed some key shots. This loss doesn’t fall on Conley by any means, but if he made two or three more shots, it would’ve changed their entire outcome of the game.Next: Bench
Feb 3, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward James Ennis (8) drives to the basket in front of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Bench
James Ennis
G/F, Memphis Grizzlies
D-He got plenty of minutes but didn’t manage to impact the game. He did foul out later in the game, but he’s another sharpshooter that has yet to find any consistency with his shot. Ennis has the potential to be a nightly contributor on the Grizzlies offense but needs to find some type of rhythm.
Andrew Harrison
G, Memphis Grizzlies
DHis defense was pitiful. He was getting blown by, possession after possession. He also didn’t manage to make up for that fact with hustle or an offensive outburst. Overall, another poor effort from Andrew Harrison.
Zach Randolph
F/C, Memphis Grizzlies
BAnother great outing for Zach Randolph off the bench, recording another double-double. Memphis needed rebounding tonight, and he delivered. He held his own in the paint as always, and it was just another solid outing for ZBo. Randolph, Gasol and Conley lead the charge for the Grizzlies and are desperate for help from the bench.
Troy Daniels
G, Memphis Grizzlies
????One minute.Related Story: Troy Daniels: X-Factor
Vince Carter
G/F, Memphis Grizzlies
C+Typical Vince Carter performance. He hit an important three to help close a late-game gap, but that’s about it. He did have three assists but other than that, a mediocre night.
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