Grizzlies defend their den to deal Suns fourth straight loss
Jan 20th, 2010 by Aaron Hotchner
Memphis, 1/18/09 – It’s fair to say this season’s Memphis Grizzlies have been a surprise. Already they’re boasting a record of 22-18 – and before you say “Gee, that’s not very impressive, that’s fourth in their own division Hotch!” bear in mind that last season they ended 24-58. With this season barely half over, needless to say, they’re not last year’s Grizzlies – something the Phoenix Suns learned the hard way.
Perhaps Phoenix should have known better. Perhaps they would have noted these Grizzlies being 15-5 at home this season, before they were mauled there 125-118 on Monday night. But Memphis, despite having the second-best active winning streak in the League at four games (only the Bobcats are hotter right now, with 5 in a row to their credit) just keeps the surprises coming.
”We just want to be respected out there. We didn’t change anything we do. We just went out there and played hard,” said forward Rudy Gay. For the Griz, respect should be accruing quickly, especially if they keep scoring like this, with three of theirs putting in 25 or more in the victory. Gay led the charge, pouring in 31 points (3-5 from the 3 point line didn’t hurt) and nine rebounds to boot. While his name brings thoughts of a terrible tasting sandwich spread to mind, shooting guard O.J. Mayo brought his A-game against the Suns, logging 28 points. Zach Randolph brought his Windex, keeping the glass clean all night to snag 11 rebounds, the most for any player on either team. Randolph, who may have found a home here after chemistry problems on three previous teams, also contributed 27 points. In fact, with your fourth best clocking out with 19 points (center Marc Gasol) you know you had a good night.
Phoenix did not make it easy, despite Memphis’s offensive bonanza. Steve Nash led with 22 points, & his 12 assists ensured the kind of flow that makes the Suns so tough to beat. Five other players joined him to score in double digits, including center Robin Lopez, who notched a new career high with 19 points. Grant Hill, currently enjoying a career renaissance with the Suns chipped in 16, while Brazilian Blur (dude is fast!) Leandro Barbosa had 14, two of them coming after a clutch steal with 47 seconds left on the clock. With those two inching the Suns ever closer to just four points down (119-115) & his 3-point dagger at 21.9 seconds left making it 121-118, it seemed like Phoenix might rob this one from Memphis.
It was not to be. Steely-eyed shooting from the foul line by Gasol & Randolph iced the game for the Griz, who dashed the Sun’s hopes of ending a three game losing streak. Even sweeter for Memphis was a nationally televised audience, via TNT, witnessing the triumph. Perhaps Phoenix should have recognized this & resigned themselves to losing – being downed by Memphis continued an 18 game losing streak they have for TNT broadcasted games.
Apologies to the AP for stealing one of their quotes, if they knew about it, I’m sure they’d say it was okay.