Gorgui Dieng – Memphis Flyer

With a win over San Antonio Monday night, the Memphis Grizzlies extended their winning streak to seven games, currently a league-high, and a franchise-record 6-1 start on the road for the season. They moved up to 4th in the Western Conference standings.

Breaking records and making history:

The @memgrizz have had seven-or-more players score in double figures in four straight games.

Prior to this streak, the last @NBA team to accomplish this feat was the 1990-91 @trailblazers (four straight games from Nov. 11-17, 1990).

(@EliasSports) pic.twitter.com/1JEl5lhLaG

— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) February 2, 2021

Grizzlies Trounce Spurs 133-102

The Grizzlies made all sorts of history during this game: First time winning three in a row in San Antonio, and the largest win over the Spurs in franchise history.

A franchise-record nine out of 10 players finished with 10 points or more. In fact, John Konchar was the only player who did not score in double digits, finishing the night with 7 points and one of the prettiest chase-down blocks ever against noted Griz killer Patty Mills

JOHN KONCHAR. CHASEDOWN ARTIST 🎨 pic.twitter.com/ZJysiCPyAp

— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) February 2, 2021

Grizzlies Trounce Spurs 133-102 (2)

Gorgui Dieng had a team-high 19 points and has moved to the top 3-point shooting average in the league, overtaking Griz rookie Desmond Bane, who previously held the top shooting percentage from beyond the arc.

After the game, Dieng said, “We have a good system over here; we share the ball and we play hard and we emphasize that and if we play like that we can go against anyone on any given night.” Asked about his playing time, Dieng added, “It’s year eight for me, I have to stay ready no matter what happens. It’s a long season and I cannot be here crying about minutes. I’m a pro and I will do anything I can to help this basketball team — whenever my number is called I am ready to serve.”

Okay, Gorgui, we see you.

Brandon Clarke closed out the night with 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists on 7 of 10 shooting.

Kyle Anderson continues to show off with 17 points and 8 rebounds.

De’Anthony Melton also finished the night with 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, including 5 of 9 from beyond the arc.

Tyus Jones had a career-high 14 assists, along with 11 points. Jones also tied the esteemed Brevin Knight for 2nd in assists off the bench in franchise history.

Dillon Brooks and Ja Morant both finished with 13 points.

The Grizzlies once again continued their dominance around the basket, with 62 paint points. They also forced turnovers and converted them on the other end, scoring 30 points off 15 Spurs turnovers.

Who Got Next?
The Grizzlies are back in action again tonight and this time they will face off against the Indiana Pacers. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. CST.

As the run-up to the end of the season approaches and the battle for the 8th seed in the West continues to heat up, the very last thing the Memphis Grizzlies needed was an injury sidelining one of their starters. But the injury bug is fickle, and it seems like no team is ever truly safe from its clutches.

The @memgrizz today provided a medical update on Jaren Jackson Jr. pic.twitter.com/aLwRzIG7e3

— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) February 23, 2020

Trial by Fire: Can the Grizzlies Survive Without Jaren Jackson Jr.?

Jaren Jackson Jr.’s sprained knee and subsequent absence from the court are no doubt going to be problematic for the Grizzlies. However, it is not an insurmountable obstacle. Pushing through and continuing to stack wins without one of its best players will be a unique learning experience for the young squad, if nothing else.

In the meantime, prepare for the inevitable wacky lineups that Coach Jenkins will employ to fill the nearly 7-foot void. Expect to see increased usage for both Brandon Clarke and Gorgui Dieng during Jackson Jr.’s absence. In addition to needing increased production from its bench unit, the Grizzlies will also need Jonas Valanciunas to be at the very top of his game.

via Memphis Grizzlies twitter

Brandon Clarke posterizes Ian Mahinmi

It feels weird to be saying this in the first year of a rebuild, but every game from now until the end of the regular season counts if the Grizzlies want maintain their status as the 8th seed. The Portland Trail Blazers and the New Orleans Pelicans are staring down the same stretch of games with the intention of eliminating Memphis from playoff contention.

A Brief Rant: YGTMYFT
Now, let’s talk about free throws. Did someone decide that the Grizzlies just aren’t making them anymore and I missed a memo?

In last Friday’s match up against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Grizzlies shot an abysmal 51.6% from the charity stripe. In a game that the Grizzlies lost by 12 points, leaving those extra 15 points worth of free throws on the floor really stings.

If I am Coach Jenkins, every member of the team would be shooting at least 100 free throws during the next practice.

This should be the easiest shot on the floor, one that any player can practice ad infinitum. The atmosphere in each arena may change, but fundamentally the process of shooting (and making) free throws does not. Scoring with the clock stopped is a valuable skill for players to utilize.

If ever there was a hill I was willing to die on, this is the one.
You’ve. Got. To. Make. Your. Free. Throws.

Moving along…

Who Got Next?
The Grizzlies will once again be playing in Staples Center tonight as they face off against Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers. Tip-off is at 9:30 pm CST, so be sure to grab one or more of your favorite caffeinated beverages beforehand.