- LARRY KUZNIEWSKI
- The Grizzlies set a new tone, on and off the court.
The Lead: With his team standing at a crossroads in the aftermath of last week’s Rudy Gay trade and its attendant controversies, Lionel Hollins used his pre-game media availability for a “calming-the-waters” address that was at once emotional, positive, and tinged with defiance. An hour later, his team took the floor and replicated that tone.
The first half was thrilling if out of character: A team that has, at times, struggled to top 85 points in a game blasted out 63 in the half, with more than 30 in each quarter. And how those points were generated was even more unlikely than the score itself: On 7-15 three-point shooting, with Tony Allen (13 points on 5-5 shooting) and Austin Daye (12 on 4-5, including 3-4 from deep) leading the way.
That was never going to be sustainable, and the third quarter, in which the Grizzlies scored only 14 points and allowed the Warriors, for the first time, to gain a lead, was all too familiar.
But the fourth quarter was vintage “grit and grind” Grizzlies. Marc Gasol made plays from the post. Zach Randolph battled on the block. Tony Allen moved onto the Warriors’ top scorer, Stephen Curry, and chased him ragged, with Mike Conley fighting through screens to stick to 6’7” shooter Klay Thompson and make it possible.
The best all-around performance since the trade?
“Definitely,” said Hollins after the game. “And against a very good opponent. I thought our team played really well. It was a baby step in terms of coming back and being a good team, which we haven’t been, and playing with passion and energy. I’m proud of the effort tonight.
