Grizzlies Outlast Lakers
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant penetrates against Grizzlies forward Tony Allen.
Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
Memphis, TN – In what was supposed to be a blowout, turned out to be a much closer game than most anticipated throughout the Bluff City. The Memphis Grizzlies (7-1) escaped FedExForum with a 107-102 victory over a depleted and under manned Los Angles Lakers team (1-6), albeit with a one Kobe Bryant.
This game wasn’t a game without story lines either. Head coach Dave Joerger wanted to see his bench finally take some load off the starters. He also wanted the Grizzlies to finally put away an inferior opponent for the first time in this early season. And lastly, Bryant entered the game just nine shots shy of breaking John Havlicek’s all-time career missed field goals record – two of those aforementioned things came to fruition during Tuesday night’s contest.
“Good win, but I don’t think we played great,” said Joerger. “We can play better, but all wins are good. (Got) a great boost from Kosta (Kufos), Beno (Udrih) and great to see Lon Leuer get going a little bit.”
The bench scored a season high 38 points in Tuesday night’s win, led by Udrih’s 16 points and three assists in 17 minutes. Key reserve Kufos also chipped in with 14 points, as Memphis had six players score in double figures. Point guard Mike Conley led the way with 23 points, three assists and three steals.
Though Grizzlies’ bench did indeed spark a big run late and had the Lakers down by as many as 17 in the fourth quarter, a late 11-0 rally by Bryant and the Lakers saw the lead cut to just 105-102. But Lakers center Jordan Hill inexplicably failed to give Bryant the ball, down the stretch, shot an ill-advised jumper, and allowed the Grizzlies to extend their home winning streak to 16 – not having lost at home since February to Dallas.
“We making it hard on us and its getting old,” said Udrih, “We know we haven’t played our best yet, but it’s a long season. We just have to stay focused, watch video, get more practice time and hopefully by the playoffs we will be right – and that is what its all about.”
Bryant finished the game with 28 points on 10-of-26 shooting for the Lakers, to go along with six assists. But it was those 16 that he missed that made headlines – surpassing Havlicek and setting the record for the most shots missed in an NBA career. Carlos Boozer added 20 points and Wesley Johnson had 15, while Hill earned a double-double – 13 points and 14 rebounds.
Next up for the Grizzlies is former teammate Rudy Gay and the Sacramento Kings. Tipoff is Thursday at FedExForum at 7pm.
