Memphis Grizzlies
Let’s be real: a four game losing streak isn’t comparable to the Grizzlies much longer streak, which will likely reach ten games by the end of the weekend after a doubleheader against the Spurs (why did it have to be that matchup?). However, after a decent start to the season, it’s not ideal that all of professional Memphis basketball is mired in a slump. The Hustle, however, finally have a win on the board after four straight losses.
Last Friday, the Hustle got to play their first game at the FedExForum. Unfortunately, in front of a larger audience, Memphis dropped the game to give the Stars their first victory of the season. True to form, however, was the whiplash nature of the game. The two teams consistently traded baskets, leading to 12 ties and an overwhelming 14 different lead changes. While it’s good that the Hustle are always hustling and keeping the game close, the statistics showed pretty clear daylight between them and their opponent. The Stars outrebounded Memphis 44-37, put back 21 second chance points to the Hustle’s eight, and even forced 18 turnovers. With the Hustle usually dominant on boards, an inability to compete with the Stars on that front was ultimately reflected in the final score. In what emerged as a pattern over the course of the week, however, was Marquis Teague stepping up to the plate, posting 19 points in the 100-96 loss.
Back at the Landers Center, the Hustle installed a new defibrillator set for fans to combat any heart problems in another loss that this time featured 15 ties and 19 (!) lead changes. The Hustle could count on a huge contribution from their bench, but were let down by poor free throw shooting and defense, with the Erie Bayhawks shooting 53.7%, just .1% short of their season best. For the Hustle, Kobi Simmons led the scoring with 16 points; the bench, featuring standout performances by Trahson Burrell, Ivan Rabb, and an in-from-the-cold Dusty Hannahs, contributed over half of the team’s score with 61 points. The real nadir for the Hustle, however, came in the next game in Ontario, California.
There are few things a Memphis fan hates more than losing to the Clippers. Sure, it wasn’t Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles, but the Hustle vs. Agua Caliente Clippers is the next best thing, and a hard-fought performance came up just short. The teams played even until the third quarter; with the score tied at 81-81, the Clippers went on a 10-2 run that gave them enough breathing space to hold off the Hustle. Once again, Memphis found it hard to shut down their opponent’s best performers. The Clippers’ Tyrone Wallace put up 30 points on 13-19 shooting, and the rest of his team outshot the Hustle by 20 percent. However, Memphis’ depth did show itself again, with seven players scoring in double digits, and Marquis Teague in particular continuing his good form during the rough patch with another 19 point game and eight rebounds.
After the skid, something had to change. The Hustle channeled the Ghosts of Grizzlies past and harnessed the power of Zach Randolph to overpower the Clippers in their second matchup and emerge with (surprise!) yet another down-to-the-wire victory. With the score at 93-92 in favor of Agua Caliente, Hustle player of the week Marquis Teague hit two free throws with 3 seconds remaining and held on for their first victory in five games.The final 94-93 scoreline, however, could have been avoidable after a stellar opening quarter. The Hustle opened with a 12-0 lead and led 38-17 after the first quarter without committing a single turnover. However, they hit an almost seven-minute scoring drought in the second quarter, allowing the Clippers to close the gap to 51-44. The third quarter saw an exchange of runs between the two teams, with the Hustle holding true to their penchant for intense, unnecessary drama. In an effort to give their opponent a sporting chance, the Hustle graciously shepherded their opponents through a 20-4 run which left the score at 93-91. But, the ending worked out in our favor to seal the victory.
So what’s up with the Hustle? Other than a 14 point loss to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the Hustle have kept all their contests close. An inability to shut down an opponent’s lead contributor has played a factor, but the Hustle need to work on solidifying their defense and not throwing away big leads. As of now, the Hustle are at 2-6. Next up are the Iowa Wolves again. Eventually, I’m going to run out of nails to chew on.
