Deep Grizz extinguish Heat
Memphis Grizzlies reserve forward Tayshaun Prince celebrates making a three-point basket.
Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Just two days after seeing their 22-game home winning snapped by arc rival San Antonio Spurs, the Memphis Grizzlies began a new one with a resounding 103-87 victory over the Miami Heat in a Sunday matinee at FedExForum.
After going on a losing streak of two games consecutively for the first time this season, the Grizzlies (16-4) are now tied for the second best record in the Western Conference, and could potentially rite the ship and get back to the no.1 spot in the NBA with 3 of the next four games coming at home. And one of those home games comes against the Golden State Warriors – who owns the league’s best record at 17-2.
“We did a good job of staying at it,” said Dave Joerger, Memphis’ head coach. “Defensively we weren’t real engaged in the first half. We got after it a little bit better in the second half, and to put up 12 points allowed defensively for us in the fourth quarter was tremendous.”
Memphis may have started sluggish, but the bench sparked by forwards Jon Leuer and Tayshaun Prince came in strong to help put away a tough Miami group that did shoot 59 percent from the field – despite scoring only 12 points in the fourth quarter. Leuer scored a team-high 20 points, grabbed 12 rebounds on 7-of-12 shooting – in 24 short minutes played. Taushaun Prince turned back the clock and while only scoring nine points, those nine were very crucial points that helped changed the game and turn the tide that gave Memphis their 16th win of the season.
“He played out of his mind – that is the Jon Leuer we see every day in practice,” said Courtney Lee, Grizzlies’ starting shooting guard. “Being athletic and getting up and down the court running and stretching the floor. Once he hit his first shot, his confidence was through the roof and he just carried it through the whole game.”
“He was tremendous picking and popping, picking and driving, running the floor,” Joerger said. He was putting his body on people, and he is a lot better athlete than people think.”
Five Grizzlies players scored in double figures, including the double-double by Leuer, Zack Randolph and Lee each scored 17 points apiece and starting point guard Mike Conley continued his steady play with 18 points in 28 minutes.
The Grizz return to action this Tuesday against the Dallas Mavericks. Tipoff is scheduled for 8pm (EST).
