Deep Grizzlies throttle Clippers
Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph drives for two points against Clippers' Blake Griffin.
Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
It seems as if the days where the Memphis Grizzlies’ bench was a huge question that need to get answered earlier this season. Well, that is just a thing of the past now as the bench was the main catalyst in a convincing 107-91 victory over western conference rival Los Angeles Clippers.
The Grizzlies, now an NBA-best 12-2, also have the league’s longest home winning streak, which currently stands at 22. And if that’s not enough, they boast one of the league’s best defenses – allowing the third least points per game entering last night’s contest. Put those things together, and a 16-point margin of victory for Memphis.
“We came out strong,” said Marc Gasol, starting center for the Grizzlies. “We came out physical, talking to one another, engaged and rebounding – we played good. Overall, it was a good team win, and we get to keep the streak going.”
And Marc did just that. Leading a deep team that finished with six players in double figures, he scored early and often – to the tune of 12 points in the first quarter and helping the Grizz keep a double-digit for the better part of the game – and even build a 25-point by the fourth quarter. Gasol finished the game with 30 points, 12 rebounds and only one assist – something he doesn’t do quite too often.
“He’s (Gasol) very difficult to guard right now,” said Dave Joerger, head coach for the Grizzlies. “He’s being assertive and we have to find places on the floor where we can get it to him to make plays. He was aggressive, and that was a heck of a performance – I couldn’t throw it to him enough.”
With their unblemished record at home in tact, the Grizzlies now turn their focus to the road. They’ll head out west on a four-game road trip that includes stops in Portland and Sacramento. Next game up though for Memphis is a Wednesday evening affair with the L.A. Lakers. Tipoff is scheduled for 10:30pm (ET).
