- LARRY KUZNIEWSKI
- Jerryd Bayless was strong off the bench against the Bucks.
The Lead: Early sloppiness with turnovers (10 at the half), poor transition offense, and other missed attempts around the rim allowed the Bucks to hang close for awhile in this nationally televised game, even as the Grizzlies defense was holding them to only 26 percent shooting.
But, in the third quarter, the Grizzlies started converting those fastbreak opportunities with better spacing, better passing, and better finishing, scoring 16 of 23 third-quarter points in transition to build a commanding lead that the Bucks never really challenged.
While the Grizzlies’ own offense (41% shooting, 16 turnovers, 3-8 from long range) still doesn’t look at the top tier level it was early in the season, the team as a whole seems to have lifted itself from last week’s funk with three straight wins against teams (Jazz, Bulls, now Bucks) with winning records.
Man of the Match: In a good overall team effort, I’m giving the nod to Jerryd Bayless. Bayless has been struggling over the past few weeks, but did a nice job leading a bench unit that got extended minutes. (Marc Gasol led starters with only 32 minutes).
Bayless created three straight scores in the early second quarter — assisting on a Marc Gasol lay-up and then making consecutive mid-range jumpers — to give the Grizzlies a lead that they never relinquished, and generally played with more confidence and effectiveness than we’ve seen in a while. (And, perhaps not coincidentally, with seemingly more latitude from Lionel Hollins.)
Bayless finished with 8 points (4-7 shooting), 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in 19 minutes, with my favorite play a really nice crosscourt pass to Quincy Pondexter for a spot-up corner three. I’m hopeful that we’re starting to see Bayless settling into his role as Mike Conley’s back-up and occasional sidekick, checking a box that the Grizzlies really shouldn’t have to be concerned about.
