(Yikes! I forgot this is an afternoon game.)
Similar to the last time these teams played, some things are consistent. Sacramento may move to Seattle, or they may stay put for the '13-'14 season. DeMarcus Cousins will be the most talented player on the floor, from either team. He may go for 28 points, 16 rebounds or he may get two technical before halftime. Tyreke Evans will continue as a poor man's Magic Johnson, minus the wins.
The Kings are still looking to next year, and evaluating who deserves to be part of the ongoing re-build effort. Sacramento can score, but still have a hard time stopping anyone.
For the Grizzlies, Jerryd Bayless will keep taking jump shots. Marc Gasol will be highly efficient in the high post, but he won't get nearly enough touches. Mike Conley will keep looking to score. Hopefully, he looks to include his teammates.
To be fair, Conley has really blossomed this year. His confidence continues to grow, his outside shooting is more consistent, and he still has that end-to-end quickness that gets him a few easy baskets every game.
I'll admit, this game doesn't fire me up to type much of anything. Sacramento is playing for pride. The Grizzlies, as much as I want otherwise, may not overtake Denver (even with Danilo Gallinari's injury).
My guess, Memphis 96, Sacramento 93. The Grizz need every win from here on out.
After the Game: Memphis 89, Sacramento 87. Gasol blocked Marcus Thornton's 3-attempt just before the closing buzzer. Memphis jumped out to a 12-point lead early in the 2nd quarter, but the Kings turned up the tempo to take the halftime lead, 44-43.
Memphis had 32 field goals, 17 assists, 14 turnovers and 9 steals. Conley had 25 points and 4 assists, but had 4 turnovers. Pondexter came off the bench to score 17 and add 5 rebs. Gasol scored 15 and added 10 rebs and 4 assists. Arthur (back) and Bayless (knee) did not play.
Sacramento had 29 field goals, 18 assists, 14 turnovers and 9 steals. The Kings were led by Cousins (22 points, 9 rebs). Isiah Thomas added 18 points, 8 assists and 6 rebs.
Sacramento was game all day long. They got off to a poor shooting day in the 1st quarter, but made up for it with more fast-breaking opportunities the next 3 quarters.
For Memphis, next up are a home game Tuesday night against Charlotte and a Friday night match-up at Houston. Five regular season games left, and the team needs to get things straightened out before the playoffs start. Otherwise, the playoff run will be short.
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