Grizzlies vs Nets: Missed Opportunities

The Memphis Grizzlies may not have Rudy Gay, but their defense will keep them in games and often put them in position to break some hearts. With Joe Johnson out, the Nets had to find someone else besides Deron Williams to score. Lopez does not do to well against the big men of Memphis and that trend would continue.

Points for the Nets came hard and they did not do much to try to help. The Nets turned the ball over six times early. Marc Gasol loves to play against the Nets because he usually gets the best of Brook Lopez. He would score 8 points on a perfect 3 for 3 shooting while holding Lopez to 0 for 3. Luckily, Deron Williams put the team on his back scoring 10 in the first quarter. MarShon Brooks was put in the game and made an gorgeous pass to Williams and the Nets would take the lead. The Nets also closed the quarter defensively, shutting down the Grizzlies since their last field goal at the 4:16 mark. The Nets capitalized on their 10 offensive rebounds, scoring 8 from them. Lopez and Williams were placed back in the game but Zach Randolph and the Grizzlies went on a 6-0 run. Lopez did finally score but they were down by 5 late in the second. Credit must be given to Reggie Evans for battling Randolph even though he scored 10.

The start of the second half was bad for the Nets. Already 5 for 13 from the free throw line, the Nets missed about seven shots in a row. They would shoot 5 of 18 in the third quarter but only trail by 4. Andray Blatche replaced Lopez and would bring some energy into the game. He would score there last six but Deron Williams lit up Tony Allen and their defense with 8 points to take the lead by two. The game was a battle and the Nets looked like they had their best offensive lineup without Lopez out. Mirza Teletovic would score 5 big points and Brooks continued to make things happen. Blatche would try to hold Marc Gasol but it was tough and Tayshaun Prince chipped in as well. The game was close til the end and the referees missed a foul on a Williams drive. Tony Allen would get fouled on the following drive and push the lead up to three. The Nets had a chance to tie but miscommunication between Williams and Teletovic sealed a win for the Grizzlies. Their defense prevailed once again when it mattered. Lopez or Gerald Wallace did not play in the fourth quarter and they didn't need to. The Nets lost because they turned the ball over 14 times and went 39% from the free throw line.

Box Score

Final Score: 76-72 Memphis
Most Disappointing Stat of the Game: 7 missed free throws.
Promising Stat of the Game: Deron Williams goes 9 of 14 with 24 points.
Scariest Moment of the Game: Deron Williams limping late in the fourth.
Best Moment of the Game: MarShon Brooks dunking off a self pass to the backboard.

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