After falling short in Charlotte against the Hornets the New Orleans Pelicans continued their road trip against the injury riddled Memphis Grizzlies. It would be hard pressed to find a team that has had more injuries woes that the Pelicans have had the season but the Memphis Grizzlies certainly can challenge for the dubious title. Missing 4 of 5 starters the Grizzlies were forced to start players like Briante Weber and Ryan Hollins. While the Pelicans have certainly experienced injury problems of their own they still boasted the duo of Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday. Their presence alone made this a winnable game for the Pelicans against this depleted Memphis squad. The Grizzlies however would fight all game by playing tough physical defense and dictating the style of play. For the most part the game was back and forth with neither team gaining much ground in terms of separation but it seemed all game that the Pelicans were playing into the hands of the Grizzlies. However down the stretch the Pelicans were able to improve their half court offense getting two huge buckets out of timeouts by Ryan Anderson and Anthony Davis. The Grizzlies would respond however and the game would go into overtime. The Grizzlies were in control for the duration of overtime as they were being carried by the enigma that is Lance Stephenson with a little help from the equally controversial Matt Barnes. The Pelicans would shoot themselves in the foot in overtime by missing three free throws and committing two turnovers. These mistakes would cost the Pelicans in overtime as they would fall to the Grizzlies 121-114.
MVP: Lance Stephenson
Lance Stephenson dominated the Pelicans. Lance Stephenson dominated the Pelicans. The same Lance Stephenson who was glued to the Clipper bench. The same Lance Stephenson who was practically given away by Charlotte a year after signing a big deal. Getting the opportunity to play big minutes due to an unholy amount of injuries Lance Stephenson was able to take advantage of the Pelicans poor defense and turn it into a big game. Stephenson finished with a career high 33 points on 20 shots, 7 boards and 3 assist. Tonight Stephenson turned back the clock to his Pacer days and for at least one night showed the skill set that made him such a sought after free agent a couple of years ago.
LVP: Tony Douglas
This award could have gone to a number of Pelicans but I choose to give this dubious honor to Tony Douglas in part because of his poor decisions in crunch time. Tony Douglas had a crucial turnover in OT that turned into a and 1 layup, on top of taking an ill advised layup that gave the ball right back to the Grizzlies. His 1-7 three point shooting didn’t do the team any favors either.
X-Factor: Matt Barnes
The only things that I have heard about Matt Barnes this season have been about his exploits with Derek Fisher, tonight the fiery Matt Barnes literally messed around and dropped a triple double. His final line of 26 points,11 rebounds, 10 assist is very impressive and always speaks on how hapless the Pelicans defense can be. Barnes also chipped in 4 three pointers to give the Grizzlies the scoring punch they needed to close the game out.
Turning Point: Alonzo Gee Missing Two Free Throws.
Tony Allen was trying to bring the ball up court in the closing moments of the game and it went about as well as anyone could’ve expected. He ended up losing the ball himself and feel into the hands of Alozno Gee. Alonzo was immediately fouled and was going to the free throw line with a chance to cut the deficit to 4. He misses both. The Pelicans give up a basket and never get within 5 again.
Defining Moment: Tony Douglas turnover leads to and 1
The aforementioned play was huge in determining the outcome of the game and highlighted how the Grizzlies tough defense was giving the Pelicans fits. Down 4 at the time Tony Douglas can’t afford to turn that ball over and Anthony Davis giving up the and 1 completely shifted the momentum of the game.
That was….Some messy basketball
Sans the Pelicans big three of Anderson, Holiday and Anthony Davis there were very few good NBA players playing. This made for some sloppy ball handling and physical defense. The Pelicans had trouble matching the Grizzlies physicality which is why despite the talent difference the Grizzlies were able to walk away with a much needed win. Both fanbases should feel happy about this outcome however and the Pelicans will have another chance to win one on this road trip tomorrow at Milwaukee.