Both Memphis and Golden State seek to end two-game losing streaks tonight in the Bluff City, the City of Good Abode.
With these last two losses, I've been wondering what's wrong with the Grizzlies. Memphis is averaging 89 PPG in the last four contests. Golden State is averaging 105 PPG. Tuesday night at Houston, they gave up 140 - holy potatoes!
As I wonder about tonight, the word that kept popping up in my brain was "chemistry". The Grizzlies seem so listless for long stretches the last couple of games. Tonight is the night, where they have to get out to a good start, run around the court making plays, and play with more spark. Their effort can drive the crowd, which in turn can provide enough fan support to lift the team. The trades are done, it's time for this roster to start carving out its own chemistry.
One matchup I'll watch is Marc Gasol versus Andrew Bogut. Since his return from injury, Bogut is showing improved agility and gradually increasing endurance. With the team scoring well, I would guess Bogut wants to get in on the fun. Gasol needs to keep Bogut concerned about one-on-one defense so Bogut doesn't roam & provide weak side help as often.
Tony Allen versus Klay Thompson will be another fun matchup. Thompson has the purest jump shot form I've seen since the prime of Lou Hudson. Allen has to play Thompson honest, since Thompson isn't afraid to get to the hoop even in half-court situations.
My guess is Grizzlies 94, Golden State 88. This is purely a homer pick. If GSW gets out to a great start shooting the ball, it could be a rough Friday night in FedEx Forum. If the seats are mostly empty at the start of the fourth quarter, I'll probably dial up an old movie on TCM.
As always, my guesses aren't meant to be used for gaming purposes. They're strictly for argument/heckling where appropriate.
After the Game: Grizzlies won 99-93. Tony Allen set the tempo early, and did work making Stephon Curry earn every one of his 32 points. Allen's defense got the crowd started, and Gasol hit key buckets in the 4th (20 pts, 11 reb, 5 ast). Randolph had 16 and 12. Austin Daye nailed three 3-pointers (not 4, oops) in the first half. Twenty-six assists on thirty-six baskets was indicative of the ball movement on offense.
Bogut got 7 and 6 in 28 minutes, and gave Gasol fits in the first half. David Lee got 26 pts, but only 6 reb. Thompson was 4-14 from the floor on his 23rd birthday. Jarrett Jack, who has given GSW veteran leadership off the bench this year, was DNP-Coach's Decision. Interesting.
Overall, Memphis' energy made a difference early and late. GSW made a run in the second half, as expected. The Warriors' offense is built for quick-strike capability. Their defense is good at times, but not consistent.
Next up for Memphis is the Minnesota Timberwolves. Should be fun to watch. Ricky Rubio is rounding into form, making the Wolves a competitive, entertaining team.
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