The shooting slump that began in Tuesday’s fourth quarter against Phoenix continued Wednesday in Atlanta as the Memphis Grizzlies dropped their second straight game 103-92 to the Hawks. The loss dropped the Grizzlies into fifth place in the Western Conference at 30-18, one half game behind the Denver Nuggets.
The Grizzlies not only had shooting problems, but their usually reliable defense was suspect. Atlanta hit over 60 percent (62.2) of its shots in the first half, racing to a 58-48 lead. Memphis added to its woes with a 14-point third quarter, making the 30 they garnered in the final 12 minutes meaningless. They also didn’t get much offensively from two of their three front-court starters.
Marc Gasol made only four of his 13 shots from the floor, but hit six of eight free throws for 14 points. Newly acquired Tayshun Prince was even worse, missing six of nine from the floor plus both free throws, contributing just six points.
Zach Randolph tried to compensate, scoring 20 points (10 of 18 from the floor, one missed free throw), but was the Grizzlies’ sole effective frontcourt player. Mike Conley was much better against Atlanta than Phoenix, making half his 12 shots from the floor (17 points overall) and adding eight assists. He and Jerryd Bayliss (15 points, six of nine from the floor) were the Grizzlies only other offensive threats besides Randolph.
The Hawks’ got their fast break in gear early and often, as point guard Jeff Teague had his best game. Teague scored 22 points and had 13 assists, while Josh Smith (still the subject of trade rumors) had 19 points and 11 rebounds. Al Horford added 17 and 11 rebounds, as the Hawks controlled the boards 51-42.
Atlanta improved its record to 27-21. They are in sixth place in the Eastern Conference. The Grizzlies next game will be at home Friday night against Golden State, the team right behind them in the Western Conference standings at 30-19.
Photo By: Joe Murphy/Getty Images/NBA