GRIZZLIES INITIAL MOMENTUM GIVES MEMPHIS FIRST WIN
By Andres Susic
Against all odds. This three words describes accurately how the reborn Memphis Grizzlies, led by argentinian head coach Andres Susic, grabbed a narrow win against last year's Conference Champions, Detroit Pistons, in front of a crowded stadium that couldnt believe what they were seeing. The Motor City "Bad Boys" gave away first half too easily, and their effort in the final quarters was not enough to steal the win from Grizzlies hands.
The power duo from Memphis, Lorenzen Wright and Pau Gasol, managed to get a firm grip on the feared Wallace's, that besides their 21 combined rebounds were reduced at their minimal offensive expresion. Big Ben scored 2, and Rasheed only made 4 points. The Detroit big men had they share of steals, but all in all their production was nothing compared to Pau Gasol 18 points and 4 assists and 3 blocks. Lorenzen gave the team 7 rebounds (1 offensive) and 10 points (5-5 100% effective from the field) in a performance that has amazed everyone at Memphis.
The key to Memphis victory was to be 100% focused from right the tip-off. 1st quarter was won by a 14 point margin, and saw an inspired Eddie Jones making a couple of open shots and good runs on counter, and also teaming up with Bobby Jackson to prevent any kind of reaction from Billups or Rip. In this scenario, only Tayshaun Prince was up to the standard.
Second quarter was also favourable to the Grizzles, this time for 10 point difference. Andres Susic couldnt believe his eyes, as his big men confronted every attempt from the fierce Detroit forwards with so much courage. Nor McDyess or Campbell were able to give the Grizzles much work. Bobby Jackson continued his deffensive efforts, as Susic asks him to do, and rounded an impressive 7 steals in the first half.
The Grizzles bench also played also a major role in the first half. Every player from Memphis contributed, specially Shane Battier, whose 7 pts, 4 rebs and 2 steals just confirmed that he is definitly the 6th man of this team, above Damon Stoudamire. Rookie player Hakim Warrik had his share of problems on offense, with 2-7 from the field, but showed a lot of guts by grabbing 2 offensive rebounds, team's highest, in Big Ben face.
Detroit's coach gave his boys a very though word in the half-time, and the Pistons begun 3rd quarter as hot as hell. Rip and Billups got on fire, and started to make every shot they threw. The Grizzles, even though Detroit resurection, kept producing and so Detroit won the quarter by only 5 points.
But the serious game was seen in the last fourth quarter, and there the Grizzles had to show their maturity. As the Wallace kept struggling in every aspect, Detroits wingmans and Billups started a scoring inferno, hitting every shot they tried. Grizzles defense was not as intense as the previous quarters, and squad rotation didn't help Memphis in guarding their rivals. Under a rain of shouts and swears that came from Susic's mouth, the Grizzles saw how their comfortable advantage was reduced every possesion.
And right then, when the team was needing the best of him, Gasol stepped up with by scoring 4 points that gave Memphis a 5 point lead with 1:21 remaining in the clock. As expected, Detroit planned a move for his on-fire sharpshotters and Rip Hamilton was the executor, hitting a 3 pointer and leaving his time one basket away from victory or overtime. Bobby Jackson then stop attempting mid-range shoots (3-10 in the game), and drove to the basket to be fouled by Tayshaun Prince. He scored both free throws, and the final score of 84-80 was set.
"Happiness from this victory must not cloud our eyes", an estatic Susic said. "We had a very comfortable lead, and it came down like a card castle in the second half. We will have to work hard to improve our regularity and keep the advantages that we can get early in the games".
TNT broadcasted the match, and their commentators had a hard time choosing the Player of the Game. All in all, Billups (27 points - 4 ast) and Rip Hamilton (24 points - 4 ast - 4 steals) were solid candidates. On the winning team, the offense was very shared by all team, that used this tactic to avoid having Detroit defense focused on just one or two players. But in the end, the prize went to Bobby Jackson, who in his debut at the Grizzles couldnt make impact in the scoring, but defended like a lion and got 11 steals and 6 assists.
Now the Grizzles have another tought challenge, against Utah in Salt Lake City, before presenting the team in front of their own fans.
SCORE PROGRESSION:
Quarters.....1st....2nd...3rd....4th....TOTAL
Memphis.....27.....23.....17.....17.....84
Detroit........13.....16.....22.....29.....80
HIGHLIGHT GALLERY:
Bobby Jackson steals the ball from Big Ben. Defence was the key.
After a slow start, Rip Hamilton hurted Memphis from outside.
Rasheed denies Battier, for one of his 5 blocks.
Eddie Jones made 2-4 from three, for a total 6-10 from the field. Promising debut.
Pau Gasol was key to keep Big Ben and Sheed out of order. He made 3 blocks.
Gasol stood up when needed. His last 2 baskets made the final difference.
Susic shouts at his team for their final quarter poor performance.
Bobby Jackson's 11 steals granted him the Player of the Game choice. But other did well too.
Coming Soon: Post-Match Interview and Utah clash preview.