Final score: Memphis – 115, New Orleans – 110
Looking back at recent Griz-tory, the New Orleans Pelicans have consistently been A Problem for the Grizzlies. Before Monday night’s win, the Grizzlies had lost five straight games against the Pelicans.
And despite an eventual victory, the issues that have plagued this young team all season long were on full display Monday night. Their tendency to fall apart in close late-game situations is an obstacle that the Grizzlies must overcome if they ever want to find success outside the regular season.
Let’s get into it.
The Good:
This win has elevated this young team to a new level of relevance and returned the Grizzlies to the playoff conversation. After winning against New Orleans, the Grizzlies have now guaranteed themselves a spot in the play-in tournament to decide the 7th and 8th seed. The play-in tournament is a new invention, brought about by the league shortly before the start of the bubble in Orlando to finish out the 2019-2020 season. A preseason to the postseason, if you will.
The Grizzlies would like to formally invite everyone to the block party – they tied the franchise record for blocks in a game with 19 rejections.
Dillon Brooks led all scorers with 23 points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals. However, he shot an inefficient 9 of 21 overall. If Brooks ever gets his efficiency issues under control, he’s going to be deadly.
Jonas Valanciunas finished the night in foul trouble, but still gave the Grizzlies 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 blocks while putting up his 47th double-double of the season.
Jaren Jackson Jr. is back. I repeat, Jaren Jackson Jr. is BACK. JJJ got his first start of the season on the home court Monday night against the Pelicans and put up a respectable 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 blocks. And he made all his free throws.
The Bad:
Free throws or lack thereof. 5 of 15 from the charity stripe in the second half is unacceptable. It might be the most frustrating thing about this young Grizzlies team. The inability to make the simplest shot on the court and score with the clock stopped has been the death of this team many times over this season. YGTMYFT.
Who Got Next?
There’s no rest for this weary bunch of bears. The Grizzlies are back at it again tonight facing off against the Dallas Mavericks. Tip-off is at 7 PM.
