National Basketball Association

Player Grades: Memphis Grizzlies struggle against Milwaukee Bucks

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Nov 12, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) takes a shot against Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) in the fourth quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Despite coming back and tying the game at one point after digging themselves in an early hole, the Memphis Grizzlies couldn’t come back and lost to the Milwaukee Bucks, 106-96.

The Memhpis Grizzlies had an off night against the Milwaukee Bucks, but were able to keep it close. Lots of negatives came from this loss which included Tony Allen missing time for injury, Mike Conley getting hurt during the game thus missing valuable second half minutes and the problems that come from relying on the 3-point shot. These negatives can be fixed and with the close result of a game where the Grizzlies had no luck should be signs that this team still has potential.

A healthy Tony Allen and Brandan Wright could have made a few differences tonight, but overall, the performance wasn’t good. This team is new and Coach David Fizdale is still working out the problems so give them time and don’t let this lose to the Bucks diminish your spirits.

The Starters

Mike Conley

PG, Memphis Grizzlies

B+Conley played 30 minutes despite sitting out big chunks of the second half because of a knee injury from a collision earlier in the game. He only shot 3-10, but finished with 15 points and was one of the smarter shot takers on the team tonight. He didn’t force and did try to set the offense up at times and feed Marc Gasol.

James Ennis

G, Memphis Grizzlies

D+Ennis was eaten up all night by Bucks point guard, Giannis Antetokounmpo. The hole was mostly because he was unable to stop Giannis from getting to the rim. In the second half he did a better job and helped mount a comeback, but for the most part seemed non-existent. Ennis has become one of my favorite players and I don’t think you will be seeing much of this play from him as he continues to grow,

Chandler Parsons

F, Memphis Grizzlies

BI really considered giving Parson an A for making his first three as a Grizzly. Unfortunately the rest of his game was kind of mediocre. He did a solid job moving the ball on offense, but didn’t start attacking the rim until late in the game. For most of the first half he sat outside the 3-point line as a spot shooter often moving other players away. When he did attack he didn’t seem to go strong enough, but then again he is rusty and it will take time for him to get back to his former self.

JaMychal Green

PF, Memphis Grizzlies

CJaMychal Green? Who he? Green didn’t have that bad of a game. He didn’t make much of a presence and finished with only five points and three rebounds. He didn’t shoot one 3-point shot despite taking the usual 2.6 a game.

Marc Gasol

C, Memphis Grizzlies

A-Gasol was the lone bright spot of the game. He didn’t rebound well only grabbing five, but he did pass well and finished with six assists. When he got the ball in the post he took advantage of it. He would have gotten a straight A had he taken that open 3-point shot late in the game when they were only down six. He needs to take those shots and be confident in making them.Next: The Bench

The Bench

Jarell Martin

Memphis Grizzlies,

CMartin was another player that didn’t make a huge difference. He played solid on the defensive end and didn’t force on the offensive end. Martin didn’t make mistakes, but he didn’t do anything that stuck out either.

Zach Randolph

PF, Memphis Grizzlies

B+Randolph was one of the only offensive options for the Grizzlies tonight. Like Gasol, he took advantage of getting the ball in the post. He also was one of the few Grizzlies that really contested any chances for boards. He also added three steals which was almost half for the team.

Andrew Harrison

G, Memphis Grizzlies

BHarrison played really well defensively in the first half. In the second half he had to fill in at point guard for Mike Conley while he was nursing his knee. His only points came from a steal with 1.9 seconds left in the first half to which he finished over Giannis as time expired. Overall he played a very solid and smart game.

Wade Baldwin IV

G, Memphis Grizzlies

C-Baldwin didn’t play much and he still looked inconsistent when he did. He made two dumb turnovers and still looks like he needs to learn some. It easier said when watching from the stands, but Baldwin IV seemed to make passes a second too late.

Vince Carter

G, Memphis Grizzlies

ACarter took a time machine back and played one heck of a game. He had a nice dunk in the first half and finished the game with 17 points. He played smart on offense, played tough on defense and even got a little chippy. At time he was getting physical with Giannis.