As it turns out, all that the Grizzlies needed to do to snap their losing streak was make some minor changes. Kyle Lowry and Darko Milicic replaced Mike Conley and Marc Gasol in the starting lineup Friday night against the Los Angeles Clippers, and the result was an impressive 93-81 Grizzlies victory.
The swap resulted in a scrappier, more physical approach by the Grizzlies that caused the struggling Clippers to unravel. The Grizzlies' harassing style of defense returned to limit the Clippers to 45 percent shooting, including 39 percent in the second half. It was the first time in five games that the Grizzlies had held an opponent under 50 percent. Lowry accepted the tough assignment of guarding the Clippers star guard Baron Davis and limited him to 23 points on 7-of-16 shooting. Milicic took on Zach Randolph and limited him to six rebounds.
After a shaky opening quarter, the Grizzlies put their noses to the grindstone and played with a determination that made the statement that they were not going to lose another home game against one of the weakest teams in the league. They won the battles they needed to win, outrebounding the Clippers 40-25 and outscoring them from the bench 33-6. Most importantly, they won each of the last three quarters after trailing by a point at the end of the first. They claimed a 21-17 edge in the critical third quarter after dominating the second to the tune of 27-19. It was easily their most complete game of the season.
There are still some things that need improvement, most obviously time management on the offensive end of the floor. The Grizzlies were whistled for consecutive shot-clock violations in the second quarter and had several possessions that ended in wildly rushed shot attempts. Some of it is just guys being too unselfish and making too many passes, which is an attitude you can live with as a coach. They need to learn to take the open shot when it is there, though. The offense also needs to get to the point sooner. I think some of the guys are still used to the 35-second shot clock from college and haven't quite adjusted to the speed of the professional game yet. By the time the ball gets to the frontcourt, you usually have 16-19 seconds to run a play. You have to move into position quickly. I think they will catch on eventually.
Rudy Gay awoke from his recent offensive slumber to lead the team with 25 points. O.J. Mayo struggled after the first quarter, when he hit his first five shot attempts, but still finished 9-of-17 for 20 points. Hakim Warrick and Conley also finished in double figures.
Tonight the 5-14 Grizzlies travel to New Orleans to take on the 10-6 Hornets, who are a game behind first-place Houston in the Southwest Division.
