Memphis Grizzles Dynasty (vs. Bucks - Game Recap)

[Seraph]

awesome write up, and very entertained recaps good luck
I will follow this one cause I LOVE EJ

[Argentinian Power]

GASOL MISSES FEDEX FORUM DEBUT DUE TO INJURY

The worst has been confirmed, as Memphis Grizzles franchise player Pau Gasol will be absent from his team'ss home court debut, due to a nasty injury sustained in the previous win against the Utah Jazz.



"I am absolutely upset at the news the doctor gave me", said Gasol in press conference, "my back hurted a little, but I never thought that my neck could be damaged from that play against Boozer".

The spanish power forward has been the key factor in his team's 2-0 run on the road, and now Memphis performance could be severly hurt due to his absence. Dutch center Dan Gadzuric and PF Brian Scalabrine will try to make fans forgett Pau's injury.

The 7 days scheduled to his full recovery will cause him loose only the game against the Raptors, and should be back and ready to face KG in Memphis following clash against the Minnesotta Timberwolves.

[Argentinian Power]

WITHOUT GASOL, MEMPHIS LOST IN TRANSLATION

Gasol absence was more than enough to encourage the Toronto Raptors to grab an unexpected win in Grizzles debut at their home, the FedEx Forum. Good rotation of the ball and board dominance was the key difference between these two teams, and the last quarter recovery from Memphis proved unsufficient to reach OT.

Brian Cardinal's was the man that carried on his shoulder the difficult task of replacing Gasol, and he was disappointing tonight. Only 2 points and 6 rebounds on his personal count was his too little, and not even the super exibhition from Lorenzen Wright, who was one rebound out of a double-double (20 points and 9 rebs), could prevent Toronto of dominating the boards.

Spaking of disappointing performances, Eddie Jones 33% from the field was below standard, and also Damon Stoudamire and Earl Watson didn't make any good when jumping off the bench. Bobby Jackson dind't well either, allowing Rafter Alston 23 points, and Mike Miller 12 points were not enough to improve his image in front of Andrés Susic, who is severly thinking in trade time for the SG.

Alston and Mo-Pete were oustanding for the Raptors, who won every quarter but the final one, but rookie PF Charlie Villanueva was named Player of the Game after taking advantage of Scalabrine's poor performance.

Now the next test is at home again, against the Timberwolves, and Gasol recovery is necesary to make some effort against the terrific Kevin Garnett.


Highlights Gallery:


Bobby Jackson made damage with his penetration, rather than his field shooting.


Rookie Hakim Warrick is improving. His 6 rebs and 10 points are proof of that.


Lorenzen was terrific. But he was left alone.


Charlie Villanueva, player of the game. I think Alston should have been...


Complete Box Score for this game

[Argentinian Power]

GINOBILI JOINS MEMPHIS IN THE TRADE OF THE YEAR
By Andrés Susic


Susic aquired the player of his dreams.

Memphis, November 19th.- Mike Miller's lethargic performances in the beggining of the season caused the Memphis Grizzles to pursue the services of a reliable SG, and the board of directors has given Memphis' head coach Andrés Susic the best he expected: his fellow argentinian Emanuel "Manu" Ginobili. In a trade that involved five players, the Grizzles also aquired dog-like defender Bruce Bowen, in exchange of the said Miller, and also Earl Watson and Shane Battier.

"When we found out that the champions (Spurs) were looking for a good small forward, we rushed to offer Shane Battier, and Shane seems to have attracted them enough to let go Manu", Memphis GM said, extactic.



"Any sadness that could be felt by seeing Shane Battier, Mike Miller and Earl Watson leaving town, is instantly reverted when you find out that Manu Ginobili is coming, and also Bruce Bowen", Andrés Susic declared. "Manu has 6 years remaining in his contract, so his arrival at Memphis will be permanent. Bruce also intends to see out his 3 year contract with this jersey, and we are very happy to have him showing the rest of the guys how D is played".

Mike Miller didn't look at the trade with bad eyes, since he is awared that his "shoot first, defend later" policy does not match Susic needs for hsi spot in the team. "I am happy to be leaving Memphis, I have never been comfortable with Susic. Now I am glad to have joined the champions, and will strive to repeat the title".

"We had a surplus on the PG spot, so Earl's departure should do us no harm", Susic explained, "Battier was our 6th man, but Bruce can give us almost the same shooting percentage and more defensive intensity. Miller was our primary shooter, but Manu also defends and penetrates, so he will give our team many more offensive options".

Money terms of the trade has not been disclosed, but Memphis rooster has been reduced to 12 men, so now Grizzles must dive into free agency in search for a reliable replacement, should injury may infest the team.

[Sac-1]

Tough loss but great trade...he should help you out alot...good luck next game

[Argentinian Power]

MEMPHIS FANS WILL HAVE TO WAIT TO SEE MANU AND PAU TOGETHER

Memphis, November 19.- After signing star player Manu Ginobili, now the Memphis Grizzles will have to wait one more game to see the argentinian in action alongside franchise player Pau Gasol, since the team's medical staff has confirmed that the power forward injury will take 3 more days to heal.

This sad news totaly rule Gasol out of the teams next match against Minesotta Timberwolves, and now Kevin Garnett will see his work softened a lot with not having to face the sticky defence of the spanish player. "I hope that this additional days of recovery are what Gasol needs to be in his best form", Andrés Susic declared, "I can't wait to see him in action with Manu creating spaces and delivering for him".

This new injury seems to have convinced Memphis GM to pursue the services of another big man for his open rooster space, since Gasol absence costed the team a severe defeat in his home court debut against the Raptors.

[Sac-1]

Atleast the Injury wasn't too big like 3 weeks...just 3 days...Manu shuld be able to cover for Pau

[Argentinian Power]

MEMPHIS GRIZZLES SIGNS ROOKIE PF LAWRENCE ROBERTS



Memphis, August 19.- The Memphis Grizzles board of directores ended their busiest day ever with the signing of rookie power forward Lawrence Roberts, who was undrafted and was rather unotticed in the free agent pool.

"Altough Lawrence is not the fanciest signing that has rolled over this season, I believe he will prove to be a valuable asset to this team." Andrés Susic said. "We need muscle in case Lorenzen or Pau fall under injuries, and Lawrence can do the job. He is young, athletic and came with minum contract, so I think he will give us the depth we need in that spot".

Static Lawrence Roberts was hoping to be selected late in the second round of the 2005/2006 draft, his latter free agency made him think of going to Europe, South America, or maybe resign from proffesional basketball to work as a lawyer (he has a degree in laws). But Memphis choice gave him the perfect excuse to keep playing.


Lawrence will carry home 385k this year, for a one year contract with the Grizzles.

Lawrence Roberts personal information:
Position: PF
Born: Oct 20, 1982
Height: 6-9 / 2,06
Weight: 240 lbs. / 108,9 kg.
College: Mississippi State

[Sac-1]

Great Signing...keep it up

BTW this is my 1000th post

[Emiliano]

AMAZING JOB ANDRES!!! You got Manu!!! and Bowen!!
La dupla de Manu y Pau

[colickyboy]

wow... manu and bowen for battier and mike miller...sensational trade!!!

you are the gm of the year, dude

[Argentinian Power]

BTW this is my 1000th post

Wow SAC! I am honoured!
BTW, this is my 34 post... but signed up one week ago

AMAZING JOB ANDRES!!! You got Manu!!! and Bowen!!
La dupla de Manu y Pau

Well, Emi... this is a dream come true. Manu in my team, after one honest and realistic trade...

you are the gm of the year, dude

Thanks man! That's big... with Manu I made my best shot... 6 years of intensity and offensive options...

[Buckley]

great trade to get manu.........looking forward to ur next game.....

[joeygraham]

great trade andres. A real international flavour to your team now. Good luck with Pau and Manu at the helm.

[colickyboy]

are you going to try for nocioni next?

[Argentinian Power]

SECOND DEFEAT IN A ROW FOR MEMPHIS
By Andrés Susic


Memphis, November 23.- Not even Manu Ginobili super-star debut could prevent Memphis Grizzles of being smashed for the second time in a row, in front of their own fans, against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Franchise player Pau Gasol's absence was again crucial for the Grizzles, who doesn't appear to have a decent replacement for him. Luckily, he will be fully fit for the next game.

Keving Garnett hadn't have to sweat a lot to overcome Brian Cardinal, who despite the ability difference with KG holded him to a mere 10 points. This time, the Timerwolves used the PG position as the key factor to overcome a rather disapointing Bobby Jackson, and Sam Casell and Troy Hudson combined themselves to acumulate 37 points in their favour.

In Memphis, besides Jackson, Eddie Jones had a nightmare night on the offensive end, scoring only 2 of his 11 attempts, but earned his wage by containing Sprewell and allowing only 4 points from him. Lorenzen Wright (12 points - 9 rebs) was again one rebound away of a double-double, in a solid performance, and Brian Cardinal improved a bit but still didn't find how to replace Gasol.

Coming from the bench, rookie SF Hakim Warrick played a very good game, nailing 12 points from a 6/7 from the field percentage. Damon Stoudamire again failed to lead the team when on court, and his time was drastically reduced to 7 minutes.

Having said that, now is time to focus on Manu Ginobili, who had the weight on his shoulders and not only managed to fill the role vacant by Gasol injury, but also shone with own light. The only stat that has to be forgotten is the 3 point percentage, when he did 0 from 6 attempts. Apart from that, it's all compliments for the Argentinian: 27 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists.

Neverthless, the Wolves were very solid in the 1st and 3rd quarters, and not even a slight recovery from Memphis in the final minutes did enough to stain their win.

Now, with Gasol returning to the team, the dinamic duo will have to deliver a victory for the Grizzles, that started with a 2-0 run, and now are 2-2. Next game is the Bucks at Milwakee, so Memphis fans will have to wait two more games (against Charlotte and San Antonio) to see if their team gives them their first win at home.


GAME HIGHLIGHTS:


Manu Ginobili drives it with power. A great start for the argentinian.


Believe it or not, Warrick drained this shot. Hakim is improving.


Kevin Garnett delivers one of his impressive 5 blocks. KG, please have some mercy on Cardinal!


Another sweet penetration by Manu Ginobili.


Kevin Garnett's 5 blocks earned the Player of the Game. Manu should have been.


Complete stats for the game.

[Emiliano]

Nice game for Manu, but definately a game to forget....

[colickyboy]

wow...garnett with 10 and sprewell with 4 and you still lose...that hurts... gasol's return next game should help

[-BHZMAFIA-]

Another solid deal even though I hated the fact you had to get rid of Battier, but you ended up getting Ginobili who is an all-star.

[Sac-1]

Great win...wow Manu really elps you out 27 points ....good luck next game

[air]

Not voting because it's hard to pick between the two. It's just a good 1-2 punch you got.

[Argentinian Power]

Thank you all for your comments.

I will be posting the game vs. Bucks today.

Regards!

[Keo]

BTW this is my 1000th post

This is a celebration now?

Anyways, nice trade for Manu. Keep up the good work, bro.

[JoshD]

nice trade it was very smart.

[Argentinian Power]

"DINAMIC DUO" BLEW THE BUCKS AWAY
By Andrés Susic

Memphis, November 29.- The fans had to wait, but finally it paid off. Manu Ginobili and Pau Gasol finally saw action together in the most impressive win of the season so far by Memphis, that blew apart the Milwakee Bucks by a comfortable margin of 21 points. Gasol and Manu both combined to bring 8 assists and 39 points for the Grizzles, while in the defeated team rookie center Andew Bogut had an all-star performance.

Gasol showed no signs of pain in his neck, that costed him two absences in previous games, and was a key factor in his team production, adding also 6 rebounds against Bogut dominance. Also, another good performance by rookie player Hakim Warrick, who was perfect from the field to add 12 points and 3 rebounds, was welcomed by manager Andrés Susic, who knows that Eddie Jones is not in his best form but is well backed-up. Bobby Jackson was another player who had a bad night, totalling 5 points and not adding much for his stats, and also allowing Buck's PGs to score a lot.

But the star of the game was, like in the Wolves defeat, argentinian SG Manu Ginobili. His stat sheet of 22 points, 4 rebs, 4 assists and 1 steals shows a great performance, but does not show his importance on the defensive end, where he allowed no-easy shoots from Milwaukee sharpshooter Michael Redd and reduced him to 12 points and 5-15 from the field. Too litlle.

Also, he worked his outside shooting after last's match innaccuracy, and his training paid off: he scored three 3 pointers from 6 attempts, for a very good .500 percentage.

Andrew Bogut, on the other hand, gave a Rookie of the Year performance, putting his team on his shoulders on both corners of the court. 18 points (9/12 from the field), 7 rebounds and 5 blocks were his finals numbers, overcoming Lorenzen Wright's tough marking. Speaking of Lorenzo, he again was one reb away from a double-double. When will the double figures will come?

From the bench, besides Warrick, Bruce Bowen also played a great game, scoring 10 and with a 2-2 from 3pt. He was perfect. Damon Stoudamire, nevertheless, failed again to deliver and his performances are being followed closely by Andrés Susic, who might be thinking of trading his huge salary cap for a younger and maybe more hungry player.

Grizzle's dominance was shown in the first thre quarters, were all the chemistry and good rotation took place. The final quarter, as allways, found the team more relaxed, and Susic gave minutes to the usual substitutes. The Bucks, at the best of their efforts, just won the final quarter by one point.

Now Memphis is 3-2, and winning at home is still a pending issue. But his fans will have to wait the next two clashes, against Charlotte and Spurs, to see the "Dynamic Duo" performing in front of their eyes.


HIGHLIGHT GALLERY:


Pau Gasol completes a huge alley-oop, throwed by Manu.


So much intensity from Hakim Warrick. He is developing into a fierce player.


White men CAN jump. Bogut was terrific.


Bruce Bowen nails one if his two 3 pointers.


Manu hurting from the outside...


...As well as the inside.


Manu Ginobili earned POG honours in his second game with Grizzlies.


GAME STATS:


Complete Memphis Stats.


Complete Milwaukee Stats.