Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis Grizzlies: 4 Takeaways from loss in OKC

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:04 p.m. ET

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Last night, the Memphis Grizzlies lost in a close one. Russell Westbrook caught fire at the end of the game, and the Grizz came up short.

When the Grizzlies and Thunder square off, you can always expect a fight, and that’s exactly what it was. Both of these teams are fighting for good seeding in the playoffs, and each squad threw their best punch.

Unfortunately, the Grizzlies fell short on the end. Aside from the loss, there are some positives to take away from last night’s loss.

Feb 3, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Chandler Parsons (25) prepares to shoot the ball between Oklahoma City Thunder forward Andre Roberson (21) and forward Domantas Sabonis (3) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Chandler Parsons is getting better (Yes, I said it, Grizzly fans)

Tonight was a positive for Chandler Parsons

Parsons played 25 minutes, the most he’s played all season. He also delivered a solid performance.

He finished the night with 12 points, one assists, and three rebounds.

Though his shot is off, he’s playing physical basketball and getting to the rim. He was beating players off the dribble and moving well off the ball. His defense still continues to impress as well. Grizzly fans have to realize Parsons is a complete basketball player.

Early in the game, he threw down a vicious dunk. Yes, a Chandler Parsons dunk!

I’ll keep saying this, if Parsons can get healthy enough to take the scoring load off Mike Conley and Marc Gasol, the Grizzlies can make a run into the Western Conference Finals.

Feb 3, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) dribbles the ball around Oklahoma City Thunder forward Nick Collison (4) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Memphis can score in multiple ways

Before last night’s game, the Grizzlies were on a tear from the three-point line.

Last night, that exactly wasn’t the case.

The Grizzlies went 3-19 from three-point land. But they still found a way to score over 100 points. It’s actually a relief that we are not a team that relies on 3-point shooting to score. It’s just a bonus the Grizzlies have the dimension to their newly invented game.

Personally, this is a relief for me. I do not want the Grizzlies to solely rely on the three-point line to score every night because that’s just not possible. Teams that live and die

Marc Gasol is an absolute beast

Gasol continues to tear it up on the basketball floor.

The man had another strong game last night.

Last night, he recorded his sixth 30-point game of this season, something he hasn’t done in his entire career.

In the last 10 games, Gasol has scored over 277 points. Talk about balling! This man is absolutely killing it. Against the Thunder, he posted 31 points without a single three-pointer.

I don’t think Gasol has ever gotten me more excited or jumping out of my chair until this game. Early in the shot clock, Gasol was fouled going to the rim, so he took the ball back out. Goes one-on-one with Steven Adams, beats him off the dribble, throws down a power dunk and gets the foul call.

Absolutely loved it. We all love the Marc Gasol that we have seen this year.

Feb 3, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward JaMychal Green (0) reacts on the bench after fouling out against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The Grizzlies shouldn’t be concerned

Yes, they did lose last night., but Russell Westbrook did Russell Westbrook things.

The Grizzlies had every chance to win this game, but at the end of the day, you can’t win them all.

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There was nothing super concerning last night. Early in the game, Westbrook facilitated the offense, and the Grizzlies focused on the ball a little too much, giving up easy baskets around the rim.

In the second half, they protected the rim much better and played “grit ‘n’ grind” defense.

In this one, the Grizzlies fought hard and just lost in the end., and that happens some nights. The Grizz are on a tough road trip and have been playing well lately.

Expect a win tonight in Minnesota, and they’ll come back home Monday night to take on the San Antonio Spurs the first time this season.

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