A Few Men Down: Grizz Lose to Utah Jazz

It is easy to blame tonight’s loss to the Utah Jazz on the illness of Zach Randolph and Beno Udrih, supplemented by Tony Allen’s one-game suspension. But the Grizz should have won this game, even with an extra three guys out. The trouble was in the defense. The Grizz had a total of 37 rebounds, while Rudy Gobert alone had 24 for the Jazz. The game was tough and gritty, including 12 lead changes. Grizz scored only 40.2% from the field in the 82-93 loss.

Per @nbastats, Rudy Gobert (career high 24 rebounds) grabbed one third – 33.3% – of all available rebounds while on the court tonight.

— Ross Wooden (@RossWooden) March 4, 2015

Our boys in blue had some highlights. Coach Joerger noted after the game his satisfaction with competitive play and 52 shots in the paint. Courtney Lee led the team with 18 points and 5 rebounds. Nick Calathes managed to steal the ball, get a bucket and the foul in one play in the third quarter with 23 seconds left. Although the free throw did not drop, it was one of the few moments of complete energy in the FedEx Forum.

The Grizzlies are ready for a win tomorrow night in Houston, and won’t let the back-to-back scare them. These boys are tough and prepared to take what they can learn from this loss and move forward each day. With Vince Carter now listed as “questionable,” maybe we will be able to re-add a missing piece to our lineup. With Tony returning and hopeful recovery for Z-Bo and Beno, the Griz should be ready to claw back fighting tomorrow night in Houston.

Nick Calathes in a post-game interview told media he wasn’t satisfied with the performance, despite Coach Joerger’s positivity about the strength of the game:

Key for the rest of the week:  “You have to go out there, compete and get the job done” – Courtney Lee.

Shout out to the Memphis Grizzlies for Press Credentials for All Heart in Hoop City for tonight’s game!