Player Grades: Memphis Grizzlies torch Westbrook, Thunder
The Memphis Grizzlies made life difficult for the Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder, beating them by 34 points.
The Memphis Grizzlies put their top-3 defensive rating on display tonight. They shut the Thunder to 80 points. In addition, Russell Westbrook didn’t get a triple double. In fact, he didn’t even register an assist.
Westbrook’s off night and Victor Oladipo’s absence played a huge role in their loss. However, the Memphis Grizzlies were without Mike Conley. They weren’t supposed to contain Westbrook.
Well, they improved to an impressive 8-3 without their starting point guard.
Behind their strong play of the Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph, the Memphis Grizzlies cruised the entire night. Gasol registered 25 points, 8 rebounds and 5 blocks. Randolph delivered another strong performance off the bench with 21 points and 8 rebounds.
Blow outs are usually mean garbage time; however, Troy Daniels gave the crowd a treat. In the fourth quarter alone, Daniels scored 22 points and hit a red-hot 6 three-pointers.
Yes, the Memphis Grizzlies won by 34 points, but not everyone had a perfect game.
Dec 29, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward JaMychal Green (0) dunks the ball in second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
The Starters
Andrew Harrison
G, Memphis Grizzlies
B+Without Mike Conley, the Memphis Grizzlies needed a big boost from their backcourt. Andrew Harrison delivered. He had 10 points and connected on 2 three-pointers. In addition, he played steady defense on Westbrook. Harrison made a strong case on why the Grizzlies don’t need a veteran backup point guard.
Tony Allen
G, Memphis Grizzlies
BTony Allen was all over the place for the Grizzlies. He had 8 points and 9 rebounds (5 on the offensive glass). TA also had the highest +/- at +31. While he was a huge positive in this game, he made a few bone-head plays.
Marc Gasol
C, Memphis Grizzlies
AMarc Gasol showed, yet again, why he should be an All-Star. He scored 25 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, but his biggest strength in this game was his stifling defense. Gasol blocked 5 shots and held Steven Adams to 6 points. This game’s just another instance of why Marc Gasol’s one of the best two-way centers in the league.
Chandler Parsons
F, Memphis Grizzlies
C+I’ll give Parsons the “+,” because he’s progressing. While his scoring (2 points on 1-for-2 shooting) and minutes (15) aren’t there yet, he’s doing the little things on the court. He’s making smart passes (3 assists) and playing solid defense (2 steals). Hopefully, we can see a fully healthy, scoring Chandler Parsons soon.
JaMychal Green
F, Memphis Grizzlies
AJaMychal Green delivered another solid performance and showed why he’ll be getting paid this summer. He scored 17 points on 6-for-7 shooting (2-for-2 from beyond the arc) and was a +29 on the court. His two-way versatility is an X-factor for the Memphis Grizzlies. Next: Bench
Dec 29, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Troy Daniels (30) celebrates after making a three point basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Oklahoma City 114-80. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
The Bench
Zach Randolph
F/C, Memphis Grizzlies
AZach Randolph had a vintage game. He had a near double-double, as he scored 21 points and hauled in 8 rebounds. ZBo dropped countless jab step, fadeaway buckets. In addition, he drilled 2 three-pointers. #ZBoFor6thMan
James Ennis
F/G, Memphis Grizzlies
CJames Ennis was just there in this game. He didn’t do anything that stood out on both ends of the court. He had 5 points on 1-for-2 shooting and connected on his only triple. Hopefully, Ennis could start delivering more consistent performances. #WeStillEnnis
Vince Carter
G/F, Memphis Grizzlies
BVince Carter had a solid game, scoring 4 points on 1-for-2 shooting from downtown. In addition to some quality defense, he shot a filthy fadeaway corner three.
Troy Daniels
G, Memphis Grizzlies
Wade Baldwin, who probably deserves an “A’ for being smart and giving Troy Daniels the basketball, and Jarell Martin received minutes in garbage time.
Thanks to @TroyDaniels, the forecast tonight at @FedExForum was 50% chance of Thunder 100% chance of ☔☔ pic.twitter.com/jmogAA91cd
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) December 30, 2016
The Memphis Grizzlies entertained the fans for the final home game of 2016. Here’s to 2017, better injury luck, a parade on a Beale Street and a championship banner in the FedEx Forum.
#WeEnnis
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