Grizzlies can't overcome Kawhi, Clippers in 101-95 loss
The Memphis Grizzlies come out with good energy, but sloppy play and opposing star talent prevent them from sealing the win.
The Memphis Grizzlies were back in action after the All-Star break, looking to extend their winning streak to 3 games. They were facing the Big 3 of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and James Harden with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Early in the game, the 3-ball was flowing for the Memphis Grizzlies, and the Clippers countered with a steady pick-and-roll attack — a nice back-and-forth. The Clippers extended the lead up to 7 in the quarter. However, the Grizzlies locked in and used cycles to turn defense into easy offense. The Grizzlies rallied to tie the game at 29 to close the 1st quarter.
The Grizzlies were aggressive on both sides of the ball in the 2nd quarter, as neither team really gained separation until the end of the half. The Grizzlies got into a good flow with the outside jumper and downhill attack to enter halftime with a 59-53 lead.
The Clippers started the second half strong, but the Grizzlies did a good job withstanding the punches. However, sloppy played hit them in the period, primarily with turnovers and missed free throws. Kawhi Leonard had a monster 3rd quarter — including a thunderous poster dunk on Jaren Jackson, and a buzzer-beating contested 3. The Clippers led 79-75 at the end of the 3rd.
Sloppy play took over the 4th quarter, with turnovers and missed defensive rebounds. The Grizzlies managed to hang in the game, and it looked like Jaren Jackson Jr. was going to take over down the stretch with big buckets over Ivica Zubac and Kawhi Leonard. However, the Grizzlies gave up crucial turnovers to allow the Clippers to control the game. Then, James Harden hit a massive step-back 3 to put the game on ice, as the Grizzlies fell to the Clippers 101-95.
Core 4 takeaways
Jake LaRavia’s return. Jake LaRavia returned to action, hoping to string together a rhythm in games as injuries zapped opportunities. Offensively, he couldn’t find a groove, connecting on just 1 of his 8 shot attempts. He made good drives but couldn’t overcome the rim protection. His hustle defensively, primarily with deflections and rebounding, was encouraging. Nonetheless, these next 25 games are going to be huge for Jake LaRavia’s development. Here’s hoping injuries don’t come in the way of it.
Cycles. The Grizzlies used cycles to build momentum in this game, and it’s cool to see that trend stick in the system even as players shuffle in and out of the fold the past few years. The Grizzlies finished with 12 steals and 19 fast-break points. This team has the ingredients to play spoiler down the stretch, and their defensive activity into transition offense (cycles) will be a catalyst for it.
Jaren Jackson, center field of the defense. The Grizzlies have typically used Jaren Jackson as the drop defender at the center, as opposed to his role as the roamer the past few years. Against a center like Zubac, he can afford to sag off him, since he’s not a focal point within the Clippers system. His defensive activity stood out, as he finished with 5 steals. He excels at patrolling the paint and shutting the water off drives to force kick-out’s. One downside that transpired was the Clippers utilized Zubac in screens to generate clean 3’s, as Jackson didn’t come up to the level of the screen. Nonetheless, this development will be key to monitor, as Jackson can function as either a 4 or 5.
Lamar Stevens at the 5. The Grizzlies will continue to be funky with their lineup combinations — non-traditional point guards, small-ball lineups, etc. Last night’s trend was Lamar Stevens playing the 5. In pregame, Jenkins pointed to the uniqueness of playing Stevens at the 5. It’s easy to see. His physicality has been an advantage for him and the Grizzlies’ defense, as Jenkins has assigned him to bigger players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Alperen Sengun. He did well defending in drop coverage and attacking the glass. Offensively, he navigated the center of the floor well to get to his spots. Stevens continues to be impressive with his malleability as a player, a good trait for a player that could be at the back-end of a rotation.
The Grizzlies will be back in action at home, as they take on the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night.
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