Grizzlies 90, Warriors 79

The Memphis Grizzlies posted their first-ever 2-0 start at home by dominating the fourth quarter for a 90-79 win over the Golden State Warriors on Monday at the FedEx Forum. Second-year player Rudy Gay and rookies Marc Gasol and O.J. Mayo combined for 48 of the team's points.  Gay's production was one of the keys to the game coming in for the Grizz, who expected to need around 30 points from him in order to win.  The UCONN product nailed a couple of 3's early in the game but struggled in the second half.  However, just when it seemed that it might not be his night, Gay hit a driving layup and a pair of consecutive jumpers late in the third quarter to give the Grizz the lead for good.  The team closed the quarter on a 10-2 run to lead 73-67 entering the final frame. Gay finished with 14 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists.

Gasol posted 27 points, 16 rebounds as he continued his early statement for Rookie of the Year honors.  His scrappy play on both ends of the floor inspired his teammates.  He knocked down 9-of-11 field goals and 9-of-11 free throws and also blocked three shots.  He again proved that he is up to the task of challenging the defense around the basket and banging his way through some of the league's strongest bodies.

 The Warriors came into the game touting an explosive offensive attack that figured to challenge the Grizzlies' stingy defense.  Instead, after weathering the storm early, the Grizzlies held their opponents to 34 percent shooting, including an 0-for-14 stretch in the fourth that deflated the Warriors' hopes of pulling out the win. Stephen Jackson led them with 17 points on only 6-of-21 shooting. The Warriors' total of 79 points was 26 points off their season average of just over 105 per game. The Grizzlies shot 46 percent, including 4-of-9 from 3-point range, a number that was greatly improved over their previous outings.

Golden State (1-3) mysteriously abandoned its 2-1-2 zone defense in the second half after it gave the Grizzlies fits in the first 24 minutes.  With the Warriors playing man throughout the second half, the Grizzlies were able to penetrate the lane and find open shooters.

The win snapped a seven-game skid against Golden State for Memphis (2-2), which will kick off a four-game West Coast road swing when they visit Sacramento at 9 p.m. CST on Wednesday.  These two teams will meet again in Oakland on Friday night.